The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Utah works to meet essential needs while working to create engaging environments where participants can relax, gain vital information, and build up their own community. The IRC’s health team continues efforts to ensure no one is left behind, especially when it comes to food security and reproductive health education.  

In February, the team worked to organize two key events to address needs within the communities served by the IRC, including efforts to address economic challenges as well as empowering women to take control of their own healthy futures.  

First, in partnership with WasteLess Solutions, we organized our first-ever Winter Mobile Market, working to distribute high-quality rescued produce and other grocery items that may have otherwise been discarded. As refugee families continue to face impacts to SNAP benefits access due to federal policy changes alongside the rising costs we all face, the IRC’s health team continues efforts to increase access to fresh, nutritious food.  

IRC volunteers and staff in the background work to organize tables filled with various grocery items; the foreground shows cartons of eggs, packaged sandwiches, and other food items.
In partnership with WasteLess Solutions, the IRC in Utah organized its first-ever Winter Mobile Market, working to distribute high-quality rescued produce and other grocery items that may have otherwise been discarded.
Photo: Jonessa White/IRC

“Our goal is not just to provide food, but to actively reframe the stigma associated with food insecurity,” noted Jonessa White, health & wellness program manager, who had worked to organize the Mobile Market partnership with Wasteless Solutions. “We want every community member to feel empowered to accept support as a form of community care rather than a handout.”

The impact was significant: through the partnership, we distributed 1,230 meals to 238 individuals. Alongside food items, each family received a rolling shopping basket donated by Utah Refugee Connection to use at future food distributions and for their own shopping. For those who were physically unable to attend the market, team members made direct home deliveries to ensure cupboards and fridges were full that week.  

Following the Mobile Market, the health team held a “Galentine’s Day” celebration, offering social connection for a diverse group of women as they engaged in deeply educational and eye-opening discussion.  

IRC clients sit facing with their backs to the camer as a team member presents information on menstruation, there are Valentine's decorations hanging on the wall of the room.
The IRC in Utah's health team held a “Galentine’s Day” celebration, offering social connection for a diverse group of women as they engaged in deeply educational and eye-opening discussion.
Photo: Jonessa White/IRC

Rather than a traditional lecture, the team gathered in a discussion circle to foster a sense of equality and shared experience. Participants heard from one another as they discussed cultural and social expectations in a safe space. The event covered a comprehensive range of topics essential to women’s autonomy: 

One of the women who joined the Galentine’s Day Celebration reflected on her experience with an IRC team member: "I learned about my period yesterday! I know about my cycle now and how to take care of myself. I learned to say 'no' to unwanted advances, and that I need to keep myself safe. Also, that it's up to me to keep my house safe for my kids, so I should be picky about who I let into my home."  

The event was made possible through the generous support of our partners: attendees received hygiene kits and period underwear donated by Utah Refugee Connection, food boxes from WasteLess Solutions, and educational health resources from Planned Parenthood Association of Utah.  

Looking to support these efforts directly? Join us at a Food & Health Access Volunteer supporting local families to navigate food security and their own healthcare. Learn more & sign up today »