On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, members of the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), a coalition of student clubs at Utah Valley University (UVU), led by Natalia Figueroa, Foreign Affairs Club President and Aemish Brock, Foreign Affairs Vice President spent an evening volunteering at Tabitha’s Way, a food pantry located in Pleasant Grove, Utah.
Logo Tabitha's Way
Tabitha’s Way, a food pantry in Pleasant Grove, Utah
6 members of the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), a coalition of student clubs at Utah Valley University (UVU), volunteered at Tabitha’s Way, a food pantry in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Tabitha’s Way has three local food pantries, one in Spanish Fork, one in Pleasant Grove, and one in Saratoga Springs. They provide a solution to individuals and families in the Wasatch Mountain range, who are facing food insecurity in our community. Although for many the need for food assistance is temporary, the need for a local food pantry is ongoing because the unexpected tough times which can lead to food insecurity have no socioeconomic boundaries. Hungry people come from all walks of life; most are our hardworking neighbors. Children are among the largest populations they serve.
For this service project, we decided to work directly with the community by volunteering our time at one of Tabitha’s food pantries to support those in our community who are struggling with food security. This project highlights UIMF advocacy efforts for the sustainable development of mountain communities under the United Nations Mountain Partnership umbrella. Plus, it gave UIMF members and UVU students a chance to engage with the communities and those who are in need of extra support. UIMF members' time slot was from 4:45 to 8 PM, with many volunteers and members commenting on how quickly the time flew by!
Aemish Brock Ready to Stock Food Pantry Natalia Figueroa Filling Bins
This opportunity not only allowed UIMF members to engage one-on-one with the community, but also gave members time to connect with one another further while stocking shelves and strengthening teamwork skills through open communication and manual work. At the facility, the UIMF members were charged with organizing, filling, and restocking food bins both in the front and back of the house.
Louyoko Nianza Stocking Bins Cristina Alves Stocking Shelves
This project is directly connected to student-engaged learning (SEL) and professional development because it requires members to work effectively both individually and as a group. Each member had to be aware of the needs concerning the job at hand, such as what foods were running low fastest, and communicate with each other to promote efficiency when resupplying. On paper, I will admit it sounds quite simple; however, in reality, this was a complicated formula. When members first arrived, we accidentally stocked the wrong foods or doubled up on the same supplies. However, once communication was in full swing, the UIMF members were a well-oiled machine. We were able to translate our in-class teamwork into the outside world to engage with our community and promote local change and development.
This experience also prepares us for future efforts, including our participation in the upcoming CSW 70 event in two weeks, where our club will advocate for justice for mountain women and girls. Applying the same hands-on SEL approach, we continue addressing real-world challenges. Whether supporting local food security initiatives or promoting global awareness and women’s rights through study abroad programs. This project enhances our capacity to plan, lead, and actively engage in service that advances sustainable development and social justice at both local and international levels.
Natalia Figueroa and Sophie Jackson Service Selfy Sophie Jackson & Antoine Mwamba Stocking
As a member of UIMF, I would like to personally thank the leadership at Tabitha’s Way Food Pantry. Thank you for being patient with us and for teaching us how to serve our community efficiently, and thank you to the UIMF leadership for organizing this project so that we may all have had the chance to learn and grow while serving our community.
By. Sophie Jackson, UVU Political Science Honors Student, and member of UIMF. 25 February 2026
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STUDENT REFLECTIVE ESSAYS
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26-03-01-Antoine Mwamba-Fighting Food Insecurity Through Service UVU Rotaract Club at Tabitha’s Way
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