Utah's new grocery rescue program, which is being rolled out by food pantries across the state, came together at just the right time.

More hungry people now may get fresh meat, milk, cheese, deli salads, fruits and vegetables -- nutritious foods that are often the first to go when money is tight, says Jim Pugh of the Utah Food Bank.

The agency, which supplies pantries, distributed nearly 19 million pounds of food last year. This year, that will increase to 22 million or 23 million, thanks to fresh food donations from grocery stores. The food is still good, but typically close to its sell-by date.

Albertson's was the first chain in Utah to begin donating fresh food a year ago. Now about 100 stores participate.

Grocery Rescue is not yet statewide, but it's moving in that direction.

One of the largest hurdles is getting refrigerated trucks and hiring drivers with food-handling permits. Each driver stops at a dozen or so stores each day and delivers to pantries the same day, when possible.

There's lots of record-keeping, in part for the stores that can claim tax deductions for the donations.

"This is a huge part of our business now," Pugh says.

-- Kristen Moulton