As the impacts of the current health pandemic continued to be felt throughout the state in 2020, The Miracle of Agriculture Foundation held it’s third event for farmers and families: Miracle Project West Salt Lake, the last week of July.

Blistering afternoon heat gave way to wind and a few showers, but that did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of volunteers as they prepared food for more than 1,200 vehicles that came through the Utah State Fairpark. Many came just minutes after hearing announcements on radio and television about the available food.

Guests to the event received a food packet representing a variety of industries and geographic locations. Each contained beef from Box Elder County, lamb or goat (depending on specific dietary restrictions) from Sanpete County, cheese from Wasatch County, sweet corn and dried cherries from Utah County, mushrooms from Millard County, eggs from Cache County, and garlic from Davis County.

There was also a generous donation of salami from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as generous donations from neighboring Farm Bureau. The Idaho Farm Bureau donated more than 20,000 lbs. worth of potatoes, and the California Farm Bureau donated more than 40,000 lbs. worth of carrots. The donations coincided with the visit of several western State Farm Bureau presidents and administrators who were in Utah for a planning conference. These Farm Bureau leaders assisted in the food donation event, as did staffers from Senator Mitt Romney’s office, UDAF Commissioner Logan Wilde, KSL news radio host Lee Lonsberry, several insurance agents from Farm Bureau Financial Services, and many other invaluable volunteers.

The event also included a press conference and visit from several Utah state legislators and representation from the Utah Governor’s office.

The Miracle of Agriculture Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that was set up as the charitable arm of the Utah Farm Bureau Federation. Additional logistical and in-kind support has come from invaluable partners, including Utah State University (USU) and its Hunger Solutions Institute, the Utah Department of Agriculture & Food (UDAF), The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Farm Bureau Financial Services.