Unexpected tough times that lead to food insecurity can occur to anyone, including us and our hardworking neighbors. Tabitha’s Way aims to provide temporary food insecurity alleviation to get people back on their feet, encouraging communities to take ownership of the problem of hunger. Tabitha’s Way was started 15 years ago in Spanish Fork by Wendy and Jody Osborne when Wendy noticed a need for a community food and clothing pantry, and has since expanded to Saratoga Springs and Pleasant Grove in partnership with Mike Carter and Al Switzler. Tabitha’s Way is named in honor of Tabitha from the bible (Acts 9:36-41), who was known for doing good acts, such as providing food and making clothing for her community. “‘Tabitha’s Way’ is a metaphor reminding us of the opportunity and responsibility to serve our community with love, just as Tabitha served hers.” The mission of Tabitha’s Way is to provide temporary food assistance, recommend resources for self-reliance through partnerships with other businesses, including heat and rental assistance, and help neighbors help neighbors.
Tabitha’s Way is in need of volunteers, especially in the West Lehi, Saratoga Springs, and Eagle Mountain area. Morning shift volunteers get everything ready for the day by stocking the pantry, cleaning and organizing. Afternoon and evening shifts volunteers work in the pantry, translating Spanish, showing a new client how to shop, distributing frozen food and produce, helping with carts, and stocking throughout the day.
Kara Smith, a representative for Tabitha’s Way, said, “Some volunteers have been with us since we opened, and many come the same day and time every week. It's just like a little family here, and we love interacting with the clients and hearing the success stories of how they are able to get back on their feet with our help.” The most impactful ways to help with Tabitha’s Way are to interact with the clients, and run food drives. “We always need food drives and monetary donations to keep us going.”
Kara said, “A lot of these families, they just need to get back on their feet. Maybe they had a car accident or a sick kid and need to pay off their hospital bills, or they’re a single parent going through a divorce and just can't afford to go grocery shopping right now. With Tabitha’s Way, they can put that money towards something else and get back on their feet. Most clients will come about four or six times, and they're able to stop coming out.” Get involved with Tabitha’s Way at TabithasWay.org and see the impact in real time.