Eagle Mountain residents rally to create pop-up food pantry

When some families in Eagle Mountain found themselves suddenly without food assistance, neighbors quickly stepped up to make sure no one went without.

Within 48 hours, community members transformed the City’s Old Fire Station in City Center into a pop-up food pantry serving hundreds of families.

 “I woke up with an idea and thought, wouldn’t it be great if we had one central place where everyone could bring food and supplies instead of being scattered across town?” said one Eagle Mountain resident, who preferred not to be named. “By that evening, we had people dropping off donations and volunteers helping us set up.”

Since opening, the temporary pantry has served more than 250 households, which volunteers considered a conservative estimate.

“That doesn’t even count the number of people who’ve come through just to donate,” the organizer said. “The generosity has been incredible.”

Residents have donated everything from baby food and diapers to high-quality pantry staples.

Local businesses also stepped up. The Eagle Mountain Walmart provided thousands of grocery bags, while Macy’s supplied milk, eggs and other perishable goods.

“When we ran out of fridge space, someone literally bought us another refrigerator and brought it down,” said the food pantry’s organizer.

The response from recipients has been just as moving.

Volunteers described parents crying as they received groceries, families living out of cars and a woman recently released from a long hospital stay overwhelmed with gratitude.

“It’s emotional,” one volunteer said. “You see how much it means to people who just need a little help right now.”

To preserve privacy, the pantry operates as a drive-through and doesn’t collect names or personal information. Those looking to donate have a separate drive through to off-load donated food and supplies.

“If you think you should be here, come,” said the organizer. “There’s no judgment. No paperwork. Just support.”

The pantry is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday. It has drawn a steady flow of cars since opening. Volunteers say it’s been a humbling experience to bring neighborhoods together.

“It’s literally just people coming together,” said the organizer. “No political or nonprofit affiliations. It’s just neighbors helping neighbors.”

Even small gestures have made a difference.

After one donor contributed money specifically to brighten children’s days, volunteers bought Lunchables to hand out.

“Seeing the kids’ faces light up over something so simple was the best part,” the organizer said.

While the effort began as a temporary response to the SNAP delay, many involved hope it becomes a model for future community aid.

“We’ve seen there’s a real need,” the organizer said. “Now we’re asking, how do we make this kind of help more regular?”

The pop-up food pantry is located at Old Fire Station on Heritage Drive next to the Senior Center in Eagle Mountain.