HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- When word broke that government civilian employees and Air Force personnel may not receive regularly scheduled pay during the government shutdown, Hill AFB leadership and team members quickly developed a plan with ample support from the community to organize a food pantry for base employees in need.
To meet the needs of furloughed employees suddenly facing financial challenges, Hill leadership and community partners established a base-wide food pantry. Stocked through donations from local organizations, businesses, and individual supporters, the pantry quickly became a valuable resource for hundreds of families. Trucks arrived with supplies, and volunteers from across the installation worked side by side to unload, organize, and distribute food and household essentials. The effort not only provided relief but also showcased the strength of the bond between the base and its surrounding community.
“The amount of food and supplies delivered by our incredible community partners is staggering, but not surprising,” said 75th Air Base Wing Commander Col. Dan Cornelius. “Our friends and neighbors in Northern Utah are extremely patriotic and kind, and we see this every day. I cannot imagine an installation with better community support, and we cannot thank them enough. Similarly, the impromptu marshalling of forces from across Hill AFB to download trucks, stock shelves, and distribute goods to our fellow Airmen in need was an impressive demonstration of teamwork and our military’s ability to adapt and overcome.”
Base personnel and community partners mobilized swiftly to meet the need resulting from the government shutdown, and their quick response ensured families received food without delay while paving the way for the first deliveries to Hill.
“The intent behind the food pantry started when we recognized that there would be a void, whether on the military or civilian side, due to the government shutdown and that people were going to be impacted no matter their rank or duty status,” said Dan Girimonte, deputy director of the 75th Force Support Squadron. “Those concerns were funneled up to wing leadership and the next thing we knew, we were being told that we’re going to have our first food truck delivery.”
As the shutdown continued, Hill leadership moved beyond the initial response and worked with base agencies to establish a more organized, long-term system of support. For six weeks, donation trucks would deliver goods on Monday, volunteers would unload and stock shelves, and the pantry would be open on Wednesday and Thursday. This coordinated effort ensured steady access to food and household essentials for both military members and civilian employees, laying the groundwork for a pantry program that could aid and sustain families throughout the uncertainty.
Throughout the six-week effort, 909 families with 3052 total family members used the pantry and 67,191 pounds of food was donated and distributed.
“In my 37 years being in the military and working as a civil servant, I’ve never seen anything like this,” Girimonte said. “This has been the most rewarding and gratifying experience I have ever been involved in because I’m able to further give back to the community. I’ve seen some of what our team members are going through, but the base has been so supportive. It doesn’t matter who you are, we’re going to take care of you. That’s been our creed and our motto. We’ll take care of you; come on in.”
The food pantry efforts, which concluded the week following the government reopening, stand as a testament to the resilience and unity of both the installation and the surrounding Northern Utah community. What began as an urgent response to a government shutdown grew into a lasting example of teamwork, compassion, and commitment to one another. Hill AFB proved that when challenges arise, the strength of its people and partners ensures no one is left behind.