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Donations to the Utah Food Bank are down at least 50 percent this summer, and officials say the empty shelves have come at the worst time of year.

June, July and August, when children are out of school, are most challenging for families whose children qualify for free or reduced breakfast and lunch, said Ginette Bott, chief development officer for the Utah Food Bank.

In the summer, these families "don't have the capacity to increase their food budget," she said, "but the demand for food goes up because the kids aren't getting those two meals at school."

That means pantry inventories are "quickly depleted" during the summer by needy families.

Overall, the food bank is down about 60,000 pounds from this time last year. Food-drive participation seems to be much of the problem.

The food bank typically stocks up for summer in May with its "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive during which residents leave donations for mail carriers to collect. But this year it was rainy and cold on collection day, resulting in fewer donations.

The food bank hoped to make up the deficit during its "Summer Business Food and Fund Drive" during which businesses encourage employees and customers to donate nonperishable food items.

However, not as many businesses as expected signed up for the program. Summer is half over, and the food bank has been able to raise 47,000 pounds of food, less than a third of the 150,000 pounds needed.

Food drives are vital, Bott said, because they provide more variety than bulk, corporate donations.

"Several summers ago, all we had left was Top Ramen and Pepsi, so we were sending that," she said. "... And it's not ideal by any means, but if it's all we have that comes in, that's all we can give out."

She also said that many people donate during the holiday season but forget about giving during the summer months.

"So food is going out more rapidly," Bott said, "[but] donations are coming in slower."

The Utah Food Bank provides emergency food to 135 partner agencies across the state, donating more than 39 million pounds of food in 2014.

Bott said those at the food bank are always in need of three things: food, time and money.

"Our volunteer shifts are pretty well full," she said. "People have been very gracious in helping, but the food and the money are where we need help."

The buying power of the food bank is significant. For each dollar donated, it can purchase $7.61 worth of goods and services, Bott said, adding that people hear the state's economy has improved in recent years, forgetting about those who are still experiencing the recession's effects.

"Some of the families we see are working two and three part-time jobs," Bott said. "They're trying desperately to make money for their family. And as we look at families and their spending and their budget, if the car breaks down and the only money you have left is your food budget, it's going to the car."

She said there's a ripple effect when there's a food shortage. "If a child isn't eating, they're not paying attention in school. They usually don't feel well. They're not learning," she said. "They aren't going to be in a position where they're going to advance or move forward." —

Utah Food Bank donations

The Utah Food Bank is experiencing a shortage if food donations during its busiest season. Those interested in helping or setting up a food drive at work should go to one of these links:

Businesses • http://www.utahfoodbank.org/partner-with-us

Individuals • http://www.utahfoodbank.org/Get%20Involved