ABOUT US
About Community Action
Community Action Services and Food Bank is a nonprofit organization serving Utah, Wasatch, and Summit Counties in Utah. Since 1967, our agency has assisted individuals and families in crisis break out of poverty by meeting critical needs (such as food and housing) while also providing access to education and mentoring that foster long-term self-reliance.
OUR PARTNER IN CARING
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Our Mission
Community Action Services and Food Bank is dedicated to fostering self-reliance in individuals, families, and communities.
Our Team
Karen McCandless
CEO
Karen McCandless is the CEO of Community Action Services and Food Bank in Provo. She’s responsible for building solid relationships within the agency, between the agency and community, and much, much more. As a former city council member and land use planner, her current position fuels her passion for advocating for and working toward thriving communities.
Karen loves learning, Pink Floyd, playing the piano and flute, classical music, a good nap, and long, slightly downhill bike rides.
Tom Hogan
COO
Tom Hogan is the COO of Community Action Services and Food Bank. He ensures the trains all run on time, that the tracks are safe, and that the goods and services delivered are presented at their best to end users.
Tom loves reading and listening to books and helping his partner prepare for amateur disc golf tournaments.
Jessica Miller
CIO
Jessica Miller serves as the Chief Impact Officer of Community Action Services and Food Bank. Jessica helps spread the word about all the good CASFB does in the community. She also connects with community leaders, organizations, and individuals who want to make an impact within the community through donations, volunteering, communication collaboration, or issue advocacy.
Public service was important for Jessica growing up in a military family and influenced her decision to study and graduate with a BA/MA in Public Policy. Over the past 14 years, she secured funding for afterschool programs, school security projects, gang & substance abuse prevention activities, mental health supports, diversity & equity initiatives, and much more.
Says Jessica, “I feel fortunate that I now get to apply both my experience in housing and my experience advocating for critical programs & services here at CASFB.”
Wendy Lawson
CAO
Wendy Lawson serves as the chief administrative officer of Community Action & Food Bank. Wendy has been a vital part of Community Action since July 2021, when she began her work as an executive assistant to Karen McCandless (CEO). Wendy has over 35 years of previous administrative experience, which makes her a trusted partner in the organization.
Wendy ensures team members have the support, policies, procedures, and technology in place so they can help provide essential services to our guests. She also coordinates the collection and organization of data, focusing on the impact of CASFB’s outreach and initiatives throughout Utah, Wasatch, and Summit counties.
Wendy lives with Molly, her fiancé, and their two cats, Gus and Ernie. She has five children and nine grandchildren (six boys and three girls).
Says Wendy, “I am so grateful for the opportunity to be able to serve my community with my strengths and my love of numbers.”
Amanda Moon
CFO
Amanda Moon serves as the chief financial officer at Community Action Services. She ensures financial records are up to date and accurate, prepares financial reports for state and government agencies and the board, and is involved in budgeting and cash flow management.
Amanda has vast experience in accounting and has a BS in accounting and an MBA with an accounting emphasis from Utah Valley University.
Amanda enjoys sci-fi, mystery, and fantasy books, movies, and TV shows and identifies as a super geek. She loves spending time with her son and two dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing, cooking, baking, crafting, and playing board games. She also loves getting away to the mountains.
Our Board
Private Representatives
Jack Holmes
Kye Barnett
Kerry Newman
Ryan Lewis
Helen Anderson
Public Representatives
Kendall Crittenden
Margaret Black
Tara Riddle
Richard Moore
Aaron Newman
Low-Income Representatives
Melissa George
Sofia Waterman
Amy Antioquia
Alicia Piceno
Community Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
Walk-in Bank Volunteer FAQs
Who can volunteer at the pantry?
We accept all volunteers older than 16, and volunteers older than 12 with parent supervision. All volunteers must schedule their volunteering at Daytime Volunteering if you wish to volunteer during the day, and Evening Volunteering if you wish to volunteer on Wednesday evenings during our activity night.
What do food pantry volunteers do at Community Action?
Volunteers in the food bank warehouse and pantry assist guests under the supervision of a food bank employee. Food Bank volunteers help sort cans, restock the pantry, assemble kits, clean, and other tasks as needed. For your safety, you must wear closed-toe shoes. Work gloves are optional.
When can I volunteer?
We have many different opportunities for volunteering in our food bank! Our food bank is open to volunteers from 8am to 4pm on weekdays excluding when the food bank is closed for other reasons. We also have Wednesday night activities from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, these activities vary and are led by our volunteer coordinator. Check out our Volunteer Opportunities!
Where do I go to volunteer?
Volunteers must register before being allowed to volunteer. (Sign up here!)
We are located at 815 S. Freedom Boulevard in Provo, just south of the Frontrunner station. Please come to the northeast entrance marked “Donations and Volunteers.” Volunteers must check in with our Pantry Manager.”
How do I get started?
Volunteer registration is given on a first-come first-served basis (See volunteer opportunities!) Volunteers must come at their appointed time. When Volunteers arrive, they must check in with the pantry manager, and then sign in and out of the correct time sheet. Documentation of hours can be provided upon request by emailing volunteer@casfb.org. Failure to sign in or out will result in no hours being recorded for that day.
Court-Ordered Volunteer FAQs
Who counts as a court-ordered volunteer?
hose who have received a court order to provide a number of unpaid hours for public benefit. We do not accept volunteers who have been convicted of a violent or sexual crime. Court-ordered volunteering is approved on a case-by-case basis, and opportunities are not guaranteed. Those wishing to volunteer in this capacity must be 16 years or older.
What do court-ordered volunteers do at Community Action Services?
Court-ordered volunteers are asked to volunteer in the Food Bank Warehouse and Pantry under the supervision of a food bank employee. Food Bank volunteers help sort cans, restock the pantry, assemble kits, clean, and other tasks as needed. For your safety, you must wear closed-toe shoes. Work gloves are optional.
When can court-ordered volunteers do their community service hours?
As with other volunteers, court-ordered volunteers must first register for a time at https://signup.com/go/DPtKdXE this is done on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where do I go to volunteer?
Volunteers must register before being allowed to volunteer. (Sign up here!)
We are located at 815 S. Freedom Boulevard in Provo, just south of the Frontrunner station. Please come to the northeast entrance marked “Donations and Volunteers.” Volunteers must check in with our Pantry Manager.
How do I get started?
Registration at https://signup.com/go/DPtKdXE is required before being able to volunteer. Court-ordered volunteers must check in with the pantry manager, and must sign in and out on the correct sheet. Failure to do this will result in no hours being counted for that day. To obtain documentation of hours served, volunteers must send a request to volunteer@casfb.org, with their full name and the contact information for the appropriate justice court. Volunteers will then receive that documentation within 48 hours. Volunteers are then responsible for confirming the reception of the hours with their appropriate court.
Food Drive FAQs
Why should I do a food drive with Community Action Services?
We are a trusted and stable community agency that has been serving our community for 50 years. We help hundreds of families every week get back on their feet and better their lives. In addition to our four food pantries, we provide resources and education to really make an impact. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people become self sufficient.
How do I register my food drive?
Every food drive needs to be registered. This helps everything run smoother for everyone.
You can register your drive here.
What are your most needed items?
Dry goods such as flour, sugar, cereals, pasta, condiments, and canned meats go quickly. Be sure to check out our current most needed items.
What am I responsible for?
You are responsible for registering your drive, promoting your drive, managing collection containers, and transporting goods if at all possible. It really helps us to maximize our limited resources if you can use your own resources to store and deliver the food. If you would like us to assist you in transportation, there is a $25 fee to cover our costs.
Do you provide collection barrels?
If you really want to make an impact, we ask that you use boxes or other containers you may have around. For large food drives (over 800 lbs), the food bank can deliver food collection barrels and pick up when the food drive is completed. For small food drives, barrels are available and can be picked up at the Community Action Services Food Bank at 815 South Freedom Boulevard, Provo, UT 84601. Barrels and food
collections should be returned by the food drive sponsor. Food drive sponsors may request delivery and pick up of barrels. However, a minimum donation of $25 is required to cover delivery and pick up costs.
Do you provide transportation for food drive containers?
We encourage you to use your own transportation if at all possible. Most food drive containers can fit in the back of a truck. If you do require transportation, we ask that you make a $25 donation to help cover the cost of gas, truck maintenance, and labor.
Can I add a financial contribution to my food drive?
Yes, please! Monetary donations can go a lot further than you might think. For every dollar donated, we are able to purchase about 15 lbs of food from local grocery stores. That’s enough to feed a family of four for a day! Through your generous donations, we can provide our clients essential items like bread, milk, meat, eggs, and more. You can write a check, donate online, or use some collection buckets that are available upon requests.
Is my donation tax deductable?
It is. If you need a receipt, be sure to stop by during business hours. A worker will weigh your donation and give you a receipt. You can use that receipt for your taxes.
Will you accept open/partially used food?
It depends. If it’s boxed (like cereal, for example) and the inside package is sealed, then yes. For all other foods, we ask that the seal not be broken. Keep in mind that we try to provide as much dignity and respect for our clients as possible, so use good judgment. Ask yourself, “Would I grab this and feed it to my family?”
Do you accept expired foods?
Yes, as long as the can isn’t more than four years past the expiration date. Most cans are still good long after their suggested expiration date. For example, in 2018, we will accept donations with expiration dates through 2014. If the can is oozing, bulging, or missing its label, we recommend you throw it away.
Where will my food and donations go?
Once we receive the food, it is sorted and stocked in our various food pantries. We provide food for several other pantries, senior centers, the Food and Care Coalition, and others. The food serves as a temporary relief for thousands of individuals and families each year. We are also able to provide several other services, such as our financial learning center, potluck culinary kitchen, kids nutrition packs, home-buying classes, and more. All these services we provide—with your help—are aimed at helping everyone break free from poverty and become self-reliant.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Dan Hansen | warehouseadmin@communityactionuc.org | 801-691-5202
Commercial Kitchen FAQs
How much does the kitchen cost to rent?
As of January 1, 2023, the storage and membership fee is $25 a month plus $15 per hour for all approved users. This fee ensures storage space for your business and reserves an approved user’s spot in The Potluck.
How do I begin the application process?
The first step is to set up an appointment with the kitchen manager to discuss your business and make sure The Potluck is the best fit for you. From there, we will help you obtain the necessary requirements to get started. Appointments can be made by contacting us via email or phone:
Email: commercial.kitchen@casfb.org
Phone: (801) 373-8200, ext. 221
What types of payment are accepted?
We only accept cash or check.
What is the difference between a Food Handlers Permit and a Food Safety Manager Certification?
It is required for at least one person in your business to have their Food Safety Manager
Certification. If you have your Food Safety Manager Certification, you do not need a Food
Handlers Permit—the Food Safety Manager Certification covers it all. Anyone else who
plans to work with your business and handle food in the commercial kitchen will be required to have their Food Handlers Permit.
What are the hours of the commercial kitchen?
The Potluck will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for a total of 168
hours per week. 120 hours of the week (71% of hours of operation) will be dedicated to
serving low-income entrepreneurs. The remaining 48 hours will be allotted to the general
public on a first-come, first-served basis.
What is the square footage of the commercial kitchen?
The kitchen measures 533 square feet.
How does scheduling work?
We have an online scheduling system. Business owners will be able to schedule for the next three months on a first-come, first-served basis. If a business owner does not have access to a computer, they can call the kitchen manager; the kitchen manager will schedule on their behalf. We want to make sure our clients get the most out of their scheduled time, so there will be no overlapping shifts.
How do I get my health permit?
Depending on what your product is, you will either contact the Utah County Health
Department or the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. It’s best to speak with
each agency directly since each business will need a different permit depending on what is
being produced.
What appliances are available for use?
2 six-burner stoves
2 ovens
2 convection ovens
1 reach-in refrigerator
1 reach-in freezer
2 20-qt stand mixers
Proofing cabinet/hot holding box
4 prep tables
Assortment of bowls and other utensils
Is there a minimum amount required for liability insurance?
There is a minimum of $1,000,000 of commercial liability insurance coverage, with The
Potluck listed as an additional insured.
Is there a place for food trucks to dispose of wastewater/greywater?
Under no circumstances do we allow food trucks to rent our kitchen.
I still have questions. Who do I contact?
Feel free to reachout to our team through email or phone:
Email: commercial.kitchen@casfb.org
Phone: (801) 373-8200, ext. 221
Food Bank FAQs
How does the Food Bank work?
For only $1, we can purchase 15 pounds of food! Through our grocery rescue program and our outreach to local farmers and grocery stores, we keep our Food Bank well-stocked with bread, fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, and other items in high demand.
Donating Food
Who can donate to the Food Bank?
The Food Bank deals primarily in high-volume donations. If your organization would like to make a large donation, please contact at 801-691-5201.
What can I donate to the Food Bank?
We accept canned food in good condition that has expired within the last four years. Canned meats and fruits are always in high demand. Check out our most needed items.
For more information about food expiration dates, click here.
Please read – Shelf-life donations
How do I donate to the Food Bank?
All donations can be dropped off at our Provo location Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. One of our employees will weigh in your donation and send you on your way with a receipt. Drop off after-hours donations through the chute by the warehouse doors.
Increase your impact by considering a financial donation along with your food items.
Receiving Food
How do I receive food from the Food Bank?
If your organization needs a large supply of emergency food items, email Tom Hogan at thogan@casfb.org for more information.
Food Pantry FAQs
How does the Food Pantry work?
Our staff and volunteers keep the pantry shelves well stocked with fresh donations. After reviewing their budget with a trained counselor, individuals can “shop” from the supplies displayed on the pantry’s shelves.
Donating Food
Who can donate to the Food Pantry?
The Food Pantry accepts donations from large organizations like grocery stores as well as private individuals. We’re happy to accept any help from members of the community.
What can I donate to the Food Pantry?
We accept canned food in good condition that have expired within the last four years. Canned meats and fruits are always in high demand. Check out our most needed items.
Have any extra produce from your garden? Bring it down; our clients appreciate fresh food just as much as you do!
For more information about food expiration dates, click here.
How do I donate to the Food Pantry?
All donations can be dropped off at our Provo location Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. One of our employees will weigh in your donation and send you on your way with a receipt. Drop off after-hours donations through the chute by the warehouse doors.
Increase your impact by considering a financial donation along with your food items.
What are the most needed food items
HYGIENE • Disposable Diapers (especially toddler sizes) • Cleaning Supplies • Toilet Paper • Toothpaste • Feminine Hygiene Products (e.g., tampons, pads, and panty liners) • Bar Soap • Shampoo/Conditioner • Laundry Soap
Interested in working with us?
Employment Opportunities
Click here to view job postings
To apply for any position, please email a cover letter, resume, and references to Annie Rencher at annier@casfb.org. Please specify what position you are interested in.
Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
There are no open RFPs at this time
If you’d like to submit a proposal or you have any questions, please refer to the RFP for contact and submission information.