Provo’s Community Action Services and Food Bank (CASFB) announced it will temporarily close its doors on Nov. 1 because of a cash‑flow crisis, officials said Friday. The closure comes despite a rapid community fundraising effort that met the organization’s $100,000 emergency goal.
According to Fox 13 News, the shortfall was first disclosed on Oct. 20 when CASFB issued an urgent call for donations, stating it needed $100,000 by Oct. 30 to maintain essential services. “That $100,000 allows us to keep the doors open, so that we have the staff, the space that we need to provide services,” said Jessica Miller, CASFB’s Chief Impact Officer, in an interview on Oct. 20.
Within days, local supporters stepped up. Fox 13 reported that two private donors each contributed $50,000, allowing the organization to hit its target. The Salt Lake Tribune echoed the fundraising success, noting the same $100,000 figure.
Despite meeting the immediate goal, CASFB’s board of trustees announced the temporary shutdown while it evaluates long‑term sustainability. The board cited declining grant funding, reduced donations, and rising demand for services as contributing factors. Fox 13 added that the organization has experienced “years of financial and operational mismanagement” and a recent escalation of financial instability.
Utah County Commissioner Skyler Beltran called the closure a “travesty,” emphasizing that the food bank serves more than 20,000 residents and employs over 50 staff members. In a statement, Beltran said the shutdown is not a result of insufficient government support, adding, “Years of financial and operational mismanagement, coupled with a recent escalation of financial instability, should not be mistaken for a failure of the government partners who have consistently supported these programs and services.”
While CASFB will cease accepting donations and suspend most services, the county will keep the on‑site warming center open for the winter. Commissioner Beltran noted that several furloughed employees plan to volunteer at the shelter, helping ensure continuity for those in need.
CASFB officials declined further comment when Fox 13 reached out for additional details. The organization’s future operations remain uncertain as the board reviews its financial model.
What’s next: The temporary closure begins Nov. 1. Residents seeking food assistance are encouraged to use the county‑run warming center, which will remain open through the winter months. The board of trustees will hold a public meeting in early December to discuss long‑term solutions and potential reopening dates.
Sources: fox13now.com, sltrib.com
