In a year of tighter household budgets, the Star Valley community proved generosity cannot be measured solely by a tally sheet.

Sierra Mitchell, head of the Afton Food Pantry, announced this week that while overall donation numbers declined from previous campaigns, the 6th Annual “Fighting Hunger Games” Food Drive secured a record-breaking haul of the pantry’s most critical, high-demand items.

Community members collected 7,125 usable food items and donated $2,260 in cash during the valley-wide effort. In

2025, donors contributed 10,545 usable items and $4,480, down 3,420 items and $2,220 from the previous year.

Despite the dip, Mitchell called the outcome an essential victory, emphasizing that every contribution directly bolsters shelves facing elevated community demand.

“With the rising cost of living, inflation, gas prices, and the challenges families are facing, we understand that giving looks different for everyone right now,” Mitchell said. “As we continue to see higher weekly numbers at the pantry, every item donated helps us keep our shelves stocked and our neighbors fed.”

Mitchell emphasized that donors paid close attention to targeted grocery lists, delivering more requested staples than in any prior drive.

Collections were tallied across two regional routes:

The communities of Osmond, Smoot, and Fairview brought in 4,117 usable items, with 416 expired goods removed during sorting.

The Afton, Grover, and Auburn route contributed 3,008 usable items, alongside 264 expired goods.

Volunteers also marked progress in reducing unusable products. Total expired donations dropped to 680 items, down from 1,059 last year. Proving that annual kitchen cleanouts remain a staple of the event, the single oldest can uncovered by sorters dated back to 1995.

The annual drive relied heavily on a sustained partnership with local congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Youth volunteers and adult leaders spent their weekday evenings canvassing neighborhoods, collecting curbside bags, and hauling donations back to the pantry.

“Our hearts are incredibly grateful for every donation, big or small,” Mitchell said. “A huge thank you to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their continued partnership, and to the incredible youth and leaders who willingly give up their evenings and spare time to make this event possible year after year.”

Mitchell praised the dedication of residents across Star Valley, noting that impact extends beyond raw statistics.

“Success isn’t always measured by numbers,” Mitchell said. “Sometimes it’s measured by the generosity, sacrifice, and love behind every donation. Thank you, Star Valley, for continuing to fight hunger with us!”

Hunger doesn’t end when the food drive does, and with pantry visits rising each week, local families are counting on our community’s continued support. You can make an immediate difference today by giving online at AftonFoodPantry.com/donate or by dropping off nonperishable goods directly at the pantry in Afton. Every dollar, every can, and every neighbor counts.