As inflation and other economic factors are squeezing many Utah families when it comes to having enough food in the house, a student organization at Hunter High School in West Valley City is trying to help. 

The school’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America and DECA conducted a fundraiser from Feb. 8 through early March to raise money for the Utah Food Bank. 

FBLA/DECA set a goal of $6,000 in cash donations to enable the Utah Food Bank to purchase some of the staples that are in high demand from people who are finding it hard to get the food they need for their households. 

“I’m very optimistic” about hitting the fundraising target, said Hunter High sophomore Austin Watkins, one of the leaders of the FBLA chapter and the food bank money drive. “In years past, we’ve hit our goals.” 

“This fundraising opportunity is so cool to be able to raise so much money for the Utah Food Bank,” Watkins said. 

If the campaign pulls in $6,000 in contributions, an organization representing Utah Ford dealers’ community efforts, Ford Cares, will match it dollar for dollar. Of that potential match, $4,000 will go to the food bank and $2,000 will help FBLA/DECA cover its expenses and enable the Hunter High food pantry to build up its inventory. The pantry aids needy students and their families. 

This is the fourth year the Hunter FBLA has held the food bank fundraiser. “It’s been a great way to raise money for them and for us,” said Tonya Bryner, a business education teacher at the school and FBLA advisor, emphasizing the importance of donations for the food bank over any financial benefits for the club. “There’s no ‘lose’ here,” she added. 

“To see students working so hard to help fellow students who are experiencing hunger is always inspiring,” Ginette Bott, Utah Food Bank president and CEO said by email. “Because we can stretch each $1 donated into $8.36 worth of goods and services, every donation truly has an impact on the one in 10 children in Utah who are unsure where their next meal is coming from.”

FBLA/DECA got the word out about the fundraiser mainly through social media and going around to classes at Hunter High School to encourage students to give what they could. Higher-donating classes were to be rewarded with a doughnut or pizza party. 

Future Business Leaders of America bills itself as “the largest business career and technical and student organization in the world.” 

“We teach students real-world business and leadership concepts and skills that they can apply to all aspects of life,” Watkins said. There are nearly 50 students in the Hunter High School chapter, from freshmen to seniors. 

Watkins says the smaller DECA group at Hunter High has a similar mission as FBLA and has largely been combined with the latter club. 

Update: The group raised $6,756, which Utah Ford matches dollar for dollar for a total Utah Food Bank donation of $13,512. That is in addition to the $6,000 they’re giving Hunter High's FBLA and food pantry. λ