Victor Velivis, founder of the Utah Diaper Bank, has long wondered what would happen to the organization he launched in 2013 once he could no longer manage its operations. After retiring in 2017, Velivis dedicated himself full time to running the diaper bank on a volunteer basis, building it into a crucial resource for families across Utah. However, the physical demands of the work and the aging volunteer base made sustainability a growing concern.
This concern has now been addressed as the Utah Food Bank announced it will acquire the Utah Diaper Bank and integrate its operations into a new UFB Diaper Program. The acquisition, announced at the annual HomeAid Utah Diaper Drive in Draper, aims to expand diaper distribution statewide and ensure the program continues beyond Velivis’ tenure. Velivis expressed confidence that the program will not only be sustained but also grow under the Food Bank’s stewardship.
Founded in 1904, the Utah Food Bank has a long history of fighting hunger statewide, distributing 54.6 million meals in 2023 through seven facilities and a network of 270 partner organizations across all 29 counties. Leveraging this infrastructure, statewide reach, and donor base, the Food Bank is well positioned to scale the diaper program and meet growing demand.
The Utah Diaper Bank has expanded significantly since its first year, distributing 11,000 diapers initially and nearly 2 million in 2024 alone. With demand increasingly outpacing capacity, transferring operations to the Utah Food Bank is seen as a natural next step. Utah Food Bank President and CEO Ginette Bott emphasized that the new UFB Diaper Program will honor the diaper bank’s legacy while enabling supporters to contribute through financial gifts or diaper donations, helping families focus on building stable futures rather than struggling to meet basic needs.
Since its founding, the Utah Diaper Bank has distributed over 10 million diapers statewide. Velivis expressed gratitude to the community and encouraged continued support under the Food Bank’s leadership, highlighting that the program’s growth and long-term impact are now secured. Community partners, including HomeAid Utah, voiced strong support for the transition, recognizing the continued dedication and impact of the new program. For Velivis and the families served, the move ensures that a mission born in retirement will thrive well into the future.
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