Monthly Newsletter - March 2025

Executive Director's Corner

The month of March is for Meals on Wheels! We began the month with an inaugural March for Meals kick-off event, where we had the privilege of hearing from Utah Lieutenant Governor Diedre Henderson and former NFL and BYU football player Bronson Kaufusi. Thank you to both for your valuable insights as you’ve championed this important program. 

A huge thank you to our elected officials (29 mayors, county commissioners/council members, state legislators, and congressional staffers) who donated their lunch breaks to help deliver meals in Utah, Summit, and Wasatch counties. The support of these leaders is crucial to our Meals on Wheels program, as they advocate for the funding needed to support our homebound seniors. 

But let’s get real, our state funding has been reduced and we are waiting for information on our federal funding levels. Right now, over 500 homebound seniors in our region are on our waiting list. These are seniors who can’t get out to shop for food, can’t prepare meals for themselves, and are relying on us. It’s heartbreaking.

That’s why private donations are critical. Every dollar you give helps us move seniors off that waiting list and onto a meal delivery route. Whether it’s $10 or $10,000, your generosity changes lives.

Please visit magutah.org/donate to make a difference today. Together, we can ensure no senior in our community is left behind.

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter!

-Michelle Carroll, MPA

Cycle III TAG Awards Announced

MAG is excited to announce four new projects receiving technical assistance through the TAG (Technical Assistance to Governments) Program! A total of $700,000 in awards were made, combined with $267,500 in local government match contributions. In addition to improving coordination between land use and transportation planning, the following projects provide context-appropriate approaches to growth-related challenges and opportunities facing communities across the MAG region.

Technical assistance is available to local governments throughout Utah, Summit, and Wasatch Counties for plans and studies that proactively address growth related challenges. Competitive projects integrate transportation and land use in a meaningful way and align with the region's long-range plans: Wasatch Choice Vision and TransPlan50.  

Image produced by Wasatch Front Regional Council, Metta Urban Design & People+Place through funding from the State of Utah Land Use Training Fund

Visit the TAG Program webpage at magutah.gov/tag for project descriptions and additional program information. 

Sharing our Maps and Data

March was a busy month for MAG's Analytics staff! Early in the month, we participated in the annual Maps on the Hill event at the Capitol. At this event, we connected with legislators and mapping professionals interested in our transportation planning work.

We also gave a presentation in Provo to the Utah Valley GIS Users Group, a quarterly meeting for geographic data analysts, about the regional data and maps that MAG produces.

We’re happy to share our work with the community! You can find our publicly available maps and data at magutah.gov/analytics.

Lt. Governor Diedre Henderson Joins March for Meals Kickoff Event

Meals on Wheels Summit, Utah & Wasatch kicked off the 21st annual March for Meals campaign with a special event on Monday, March 3. The gathering brought together community leaders, sponsors, and volunteers to highlight the vital role of Meals on Wheels in fighting senior hunger and isolation.

Utah Lt. Governor Diedre Henderson, Keynote speaker Bronson Kaufusi, former NFL and BYU football player, and Meals on Wheels driver Tom Greer spoke about the importance of community support.

March for Meals commemorates the 1972 establishment of a national senior nutrition program. Throughout the month, Meals on Wheels programs nationwide will work to raise awareness, recruit volunteers, and generate resources to support seniors in need.

To learn more about how you can contribute to the Meals on Wheels program, please visit magutah.gov/contribute/

Local Leaders Support Meals on Wheels During March for Meals

Twenty-nine elected officials joined volunteer drivers for the 15th annual March for Meals event, held March 18–29. The initiative showcased Meals on Wheels' vital role in delivering over 500 meals daily to homebound seniors in Utah, Wasatch, and Summit counties.

Participants gained firsthand insight into the program’s impact on the community. March for Meals commemorates the 1972 amendment to the Older Americans Act, which established a national senior nutrition program. The campaign continues to raise awareness and support for seniors in need.

To see a full list of participants, visit magutah.gov/m4m.

Mountainland Economic Development District Announces New Board Chair: Val Hale

We are excited to announce that Val Hale, a seasoned economic development leader, has been elected as the new Board Chair for the Mountainland Economic Development District (MEDD). Val brings a wealth of experience, having had a distinguished career spanning various sectors, from journalism to higher education and business leadership.

Val’s career includes notable roles such as Vice President at Utah Valley University (UVU), President of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Executive Director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). He has also been a passionate advocate for high-growth opportunities and had the privilege of working alongside many exceptional employees throughout his career. In his retirement, Val continues to share his expertise as a consultant with EDC Utah and serves on the Board of Directors for LSI while still finding time to hone his golf skills.

Val’s leadership will be instrumental as the MEDD works diligently with regional partners to implement the goals outlined in our Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Joining Val on the board is Marlin Eldred, Economic Development Director for Lehi City, who will serve as vice chair.

We look forward to the exciting work ahead under Val Hale’s leadership and are grateful for his continued dedication to economic development and community involvement.

Local Warming Center Program Needs Volunteers, Blankets, and Supplies for Ongoing Winter Season 

Warming centers for individuals who are homeless and seeking warmth and a place to stay for the night will be open nightly from 9pm to 8am through April 30, 2025, and will be in Provo and incorporated Utah County. Volunteers (18 years and older) are needed to help at the warming centers during the evening, late night, and early morning. Those serving will be assisting experienced staff with set up, clean-up, safety, and security and will be providing our homeless friends with care and fellowship. Training is required. To sign up and/or find out more information, go to https://app.vomo.org/opportunity/warming-center. 

The warming centers are also in need of tons of blankets and other supplies. To find out what is needed and for drop off instructions, look online at JustServe Warming Center Needs.

For questions or additional information, please contact Kena Mathews at Community Action Services and Food Bank at kenam@casfb.org. Thank you! 

Community Action Services and Food Bank is seeking donations for new and CLEAN gently used blankets for warming centers for the homeless.

Blankets will be provided to those accessing the warming centers to help keep them warm. They should be adult sized, and not fleece.

Blankets can be dropped off Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, at Community Action Services and Food Bank (815 S Freedom Blvd, Provo) at the east door marked "Donations and Volunteers" and please let our staff know that it is for the Warming Center.

If you are interested in donating other items, https://a.co/euMb4Yr is our Amazon Wish List! For questions and more information regarding the drive, please contact Kena Mathews at kenam@casfb.org 

For questions, concerns, or comments contact Johnathon Knapton, MAG Communications Manager, at jknapton@magutah.gov or (801)229-3836