SALT LAKE CITY — More than 1,200 pounds of ham were donated to the Davis School District on Tuesday in an effort to help families facing food insecurity this holiday season.
The event was a partnership between Mercedes-Benz of Farmington and Utah Jazz shooting guard Sviatoslav “Svi” Mykhailiuk. Together, along with a group of student volunteers, they delivered 300 hams to teen centers at Farmington and Davis high schools, which will then distribute them to the rest of the school district.
Starting next week, Davis County families in need will be able to pick up a ham from the teen center at their local junior high or high school.
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Utah Jazz shooting guard Sviatoslav “Svi” Mykhailiuk helped deliver 300 hams to teen centers at Farmington and Davis high schools. (Davis School District)
Food insecurity is a problem that continues to rise each year. Angela Bennett, Farmington High School’s teen center coordinator, said it’s especially a concern in Davis County.
“There is absolutely a need in Davis County. This has been a tough year for a lot of people who weren’t struggling in the past (but) are struggling this year,” she said.
Angela Bennett, Farmington High School’s teen center coordinator, discussed what food insecurity looks like in Davis County. (Davis School District)
This year, in particular, has been rough for many families.
“I just think there has been a lot of hardship this year. There are a lot of unknowns. People weren’t getting paid for a while. We’ve just had so many things happen this year, and there are a lot of people in need (who are) just trying to catch up,” Bennett said. “So, if you have extra, it goes to good use. It goes to people who just need a little hand up.”
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To Mykhailiuk, this was an opportunity to give back to the community and “embrace the city” since he moved to Utah in 2024.
“I feel like at the end of the day, we all have to be human and help each other. I feel like there are a lot of people in need, and if I can help somebody in any way I can, I’m trying to do it,” he said.
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