Inside the Christian Center of Park City Food Pantry: ‘Organized chaos’ and community care

Jaime Mira, left, deputy director of food and security at the Christian Center of Park City, and Valeria Cruz, assistant manager of the nonprofit’s Heber food pantry, pause beside the organization’s delivery van in Park City, Utah. Photo: Christian Center of Park City

PARK CITY, Utah — The little boy could barely see over the grocery cart, but his face said everything. It was his family’s first visit to the Christian Center of Park City’s food pantry. The cart was piled with fresh produce and pantry items — all free.

Jaime Mira, Deputy Director of Food Insecurity Programs at the Christian Center, described the boy’s reaction: “He was excited, happy, and nervous — all at once.” Mira added, “I’m not sure they’d ever seen so much food in one place, all free.”

Mira asked a staff member to bring out a couple of toys, turning the visit into a small celebration for the children. “I don’t like to cry in front of people,” he said. “But that one almost got me.”

Moments like that are what keep Mira and his colleague, Valeria Cruz, assistant manager of the Christian Center’s Heber food pantry, moving through the day-to-day work of feeding thousands of residents each month in two of Utah’s wealthiest counties. New volunteers often describe the pantry as “organized chaos” — deliveries arriving, questions flying in multiple languages, and carts moving through the aisles.

The Christian Center operates pantries in Park City and Heber that serve families who are working, raising children, and still struggling to keep food on the table.

In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, that work intensified. Mira and Cruz helped distribute more than 1,800 turkeys over about 10 days at both locations. This was made possible by a large donation from the Park City Board of REALTORS. Cruz called the board “very gracious,” and said its members have stayed committed to supporting Summit and Wasatch counties.

Staff and volunteers coordinated with senior centers, residents with disabilities, low-income housing communities, and school groups. That included Latinos in Action students at Park City High School, who teamed up as drivers to deliver turkeys to people who could not make it in.

“They were taking turkeys to elderly people, to young moms, to single parents who were working and couldn’t get to the pantry that day,” Cruz said. “It was a beautiful challenge.”

By the end of the distribution, only a few turkeys remained. “You wouldn’t think there’s that much need here,” Cruz said. “Our counties are very wealthy. Everybody knows there’s no question about Park City, and Heber is growing and doing amazing. But there are also those in great need.”

Cruz said the turkey giveaway brought “a lot of happy tears” as families realized they could put a holiday meal on the table. She recalled that one man, after receiving his turkey, returned multiple times just to say thank you. He told her the extra turkey meant he could invite friends who otherwise would have gone without.

“You go home exhausted,” Cruz said, “but very satisfied.”

Both Mira and Cruz first came to the Christian Center as clients. Cruz’s mother volunteered at the old pantry, and Cruz visited as a stay-at-home parent trying to stretch one income. Mira and his wife also turned to the pantry for help when they were new to the country and trying to get established.

Reflecting on their experiences, Mira said, “Being on both sides — needing help and giving back — changes how you see this work.”

“We started with humble beginnings,” Cruz said. “We understand the need and the difference we can make.”

For those who need help but feel hesitant to walk through the door, Cruz is direct: Come anyway. The team works to reduce shame and keep the first visit simple, collecting basic information while limiting questions. “I promise, nobody’s going to judge you. We’re here for you,” Cruz said.

“If we give out of love, it’s easier to understand that help comes from love,” she said. “You’re not taking away from anyone. We are here to serve.”

Looking ahead, Cruz said the pantry’s goal is immediate stability — and then the next step. “We’re trying to make sure those basic needs are covered,” she said. “And then, how do we help you get out of that situation? We’re like a little step ladder to make people’s lives better.”

Mira’s message to the community — whether someone needs support, wants to learn more, or is looking for ways to help — is straightforward. “Thank you for supporting our mission,” he said. “Visit us in Heber City or Park City. And, if you need help, we’re here for you.”