Utah County’s charitable network is feeling the strain this spring. Community Action Services and Food Bank has sounded the alarm about dangerously low food supplies as inflation and job losses push more families toward local pantries. Service-minded groups are stepping up, from a new Kiwanis club in Lehi to calls for donations at grocery stores, but the pressure highlights a broader trend: the region’s rapid growth is creating new needs and challenging civic institutions to keep pace.
Meanwhile, everyday life hums along. Residents are planning spring outings, from 5Ks and family festivals to teen theatre productions and textile training at Thanksgiving Point. Young engineers at BYU recently won a national analytics competition. Local artists are making space for creativity in Provo, and business owners are reorganizing to better serve customers. It’s a mix of big ambitions and neighborhood comforts that defines our corner of the Wasatch Front.
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In today’s edition…
Why Utah County food banks say supplies are reaching a critical low
Quick updates from around the county
A local restaurant spotlight
Things to do in the week ahead
A few updates you might have missed
The Big Story
Food bank supplies hit a critical low
Community Action Services and Food Bank is pleading for help as shelves sit nearly bare. The nonprofit serves much of northern Utah County and beyond, and staff say demand has surged to unprecedented levels. They recently served 385 households in a single day and pulled 94,639 pounds of food from reserves. Rising housing costs, inflation and job losses are pushing more families into food insecurity, and many of the people arriving at the pantry are seeking assistance for the first time.
The pantry’s executive director explained that donations have not kept up with the pace of need. In January, the organization started experiencing “dangerously low” stock levels, and by late February they were appealing publicly for canned goods, boxed meals and monetary contributions. Volunteers have been working overtime to sort what food comes in, but the shelves still empty quickly. One day’s distribution required drawing from emergency supplies that usually last weeks, highlighting how stretched the system has become.
Local grocery stores and churches are partnering with Community Action Services to host collection drives, and the organization is participating in the statewide Feed Utah Food Drive in March. Organizers encourage residents to bring items such as peanut butter, rice, canned fruit and pasta to drop‑off sites throughout Utah County. Monetary donations are especially helpful because they allow the pantry to purchase bulk food at low cost and fill gaps in the inventory.
The situation underscores the role of nonprofit networks in supporting the county’s rapid population growth. As more people move to the area, social service providers must expand their capacity, and community members are being asked to step up. If you can spare food or funds, consider donating through Community Action Services or participating in the Feed Utah drive. Neighbors helping neighbors is the simplest way to ensure no one goes hungry.
Quick Hits
BYU analytics team wins NFL Big Data Bowl
Graduate students from Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University took top honors at the NFL scouting combine’s Big Data Bowl, earning $9,000 for a model predicting how defenders can respond once a pass is thrown. The team returned after falling short last year and impressed judges with their use of player‑tracking data. Their victory highlights the growing reputation of Utah County’s universities for data science and analytics.
Pioneer Market grocery gets new owner
Pioneer Market’s grocery section has changed hands: longtime operator Cecil Shern sold it to Jake Gaskin, who plans to lower prices and boost inventory. Gaskin’s family has worked in the grocery industry for 75 years, and he says he’ll focus on volume to compete with larger chains. Shern will continue running the in‑store pharmacy, and both men hope the partnership will keep the historic market thriving.
Kiwanis club launches in Lehi
The Point of the Mountain Kiwanis Club held its organizational meeting and plans to serve children and families throughout northern Utah County. Vice governor Mandy Garcia said the club chose Lehi because of its growth and community spirit. Early projects include making Valentine cards for assisted‑living residents and supporting youth leadership programs such as Key Club and K‑Kids. Membership is open to all adults, with the first official meeting on March 16 at Fire Station No. 82.
Restaurant of the Week
On the top: Prozac roll. On the bottom: Hot Girl Roll.
Sushi Garden Bistro
Located in American Fork, Sushi Garden Bistro has become a reliable stop for locals looking for fresh sushi and Japanese comfort dishes in a casual setting. The restaurant sits just off Main Street and offers a wide menu that ranges from traditional nigiri and sashimi to specialty rolls, teriyaki plates, ramen, and tempura. The dining room is simple and welcoming, making it a comfortable option for both quick lunches and relaxed dinners.
Many regulars come for the sushi rolls, which include both classic options like California and spicy tuna as well as more elaborate house combinations. The menu also features bento boxes, udon noodle soups, and grilled dishes served with rice and vegetables. Portions are generous, and the variety makes it easy for groups to find something they enjoy. For anyone exploring local Japanese restaurants in northern Utah County, Sushi Garden Bistro offers a dependable mix of fresh flavors and approachable atmosphere.
Yakiudon Hibachi Noodles
Around the Point: Things to Do this Week
2026 Lucky Laces 5K & Health Fair
When: March 14 (Sat), 9 a.m.
Where: University Place, Orem
Lace up for a festive 5K run followed by a health fair featuring local wellness resources. Participants can join a Lucky Charms eating contest for adults and kids, and everyone is encouraged to dress in St. Patrick’s Day attire.
March Film Screenings: Turning Over a New Leaf
When: Mondays and Fridays in March, 6 p.m.
Where: Orem City Library Media Auditorium
The library is showing a lineup of family‑friendly films throughout the month, including “October Sky,” “Enchanted,” “Toy Story 3” and “School of Rock.” Screenings are free and start at 6 p.m. in the media auditorium.
USU Clothing & Textile Training
When: March 12-13 (Thu-Fri), 9 a.m. – 5 p.m
Where: Ashton Gardens, Thanksgiving Point, Lehi
This hands‑on training is designed for family and consumer science teachers and 4‑H volunteers. Participants will attend classes and labs, hear from keynote speakers and browse a vendor fair. Professional development credits are available.
Hadestown Teen Edition
When: March 13–28 (select dates), 7:30 p.m.
Where: SCERA Center for the Arts, Orem
SCERA’s high‑school company Acting Up stages a folk‑ and jazz‑inspired retelling of the myths of Orpheus and Eurydice alongside Hades and Persephone. Performances run Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are available for adults and children, with discounts for students.
Provo Women’s Day – Girls After Party: K‑Pop Demon Hunters
When: March 14 (Sat), 7–10 p.m.
Where: Provo Recreation Center
Celebrate Women’s Day with a dance party featuring K‑pop music, crafts, photo ops and a costume contest. The event is open to women and their families, so bring your friends and enjoy an evening of music and culture.
Shred the House
When: March 13 (Fri), 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Soundbox, Pleasant Grove
Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse presents an evening of rock featuring bands Lo‑Fi Riot, Tube Screamers and Zero Spectrum. Expect heavy guitars, driving rhythms and plenty of attitude. If you love local music, this is the show for you.
Provo Winter Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, January 10 – April 4, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Provo Towne Centre Mall, Provo
The Provo Farmers Market continues indoors for the winter, featuring local produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, and handcrafted items. It’s an easy, weatherproof way to support local vendors during the colder months.
In case you missed it…
A 15‑minute city rises at The Point
The former Draper prison site is being transformed into a 600‑acre mixed‑use district called The Point, with offices, housing, parks and research space. Plans include a FrontRunner station, bus rapid transit, walking and biking networks and a pedestrian bridge to the Jordan River Parkway. About 350 acres are allocated for development and 142 acres for open space.
Smart snowplows get the green light
UDOT is expanding vehicle‑to‑everything technology to 259 snowplows and nearly 1,275 signalized intersections across northern Utah. The system communicates directly with traffic signals to give plow drivers green lights during storms, reducing stops and speeding up snow removal. Officials say the technology acts as a “digital seatbelt,” improving safety and efficiency.
Cedar Hills Golf Course reopens
Cedar Hills Golf Club will reopen nine holes on March 9 while renovations continue. The Short Course remains open all season, and the full 18 holes are expected to return later this summer. Improvements include a new irrigation system, rebuilt tee boxes and better turf conditions. Youth clinics and community events will continue at the club.
That’s it for this issue of The Point.
If you spot something interesting, confusing, or very Utah County — a new restaurant, construction mystery, or rumor that needs checking — hit reply. The best tips make it into next week’s issue (with credit, if you want it).
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