As “first timers” appeared at food banks across the state in 2020, the need for help skyrocketed, said Utah Food Bank CEO and President Ginette Bott.

Since then, the numbers of people in need of assistance to feed themselves and their families have not returned to normal, she said. Instead, need “continues to increase,” with food pantries in Davis, Utah and Washington counties seeing twice the previous number of people seeking help, she said.

To meet that need, Utahns are being asked to leave canned goods and other nonperishable food on their doorstep Saturday morning for the Utah Food Bank.

“We can’t be the solution for everything on our own. We need help. We need collaboration. We need partnership,” Bott said. “So this food drive opportunity gives families across the state…a really easy Saturday morning thing to join us in the fight against hunger.”

Gov. Spencer Cox encouraged donations at a news conference Thursday, saying there are currently about 317,000 Utahns facing food insecurity, including about 1 in 10 kids.

“We have a huge opportunity this weekend to help those people,” he said.

While all nonperishable donations are welcome, Bott said the most needed items are:

• Canned meats, like tuna, chicken, chili or beef stews

• Peanut or other nut butters

• Boxed meals, like macaroni and cheese or Hamburger Helper

• Canned fruits and vegetables

Items to avoid donating include anything packaged in glass bottles and anything perishable, she said.

Those interested in donating — if they received one of the 1.7 million printed flyers on their doorstep — can leave items in a bag or box near their door before 9 a.m. Saturday, Bott said. A volunteer will come by to pick up donations.

Otherwise, food can also be donated at Utah Food Bank warehouses in Salt Lake City, Springville, Blanding and St. George, as well as all Macey’s Grocery and Lin’s locations throughout Utah. A full list of drop-off locations is at utahfoodbank.org/dropoffsites.

Donated items will go to food pantries in the surrounding area.