When Escalante officials issued a boil order and anticipated water shortages over the weekend, Associated Food Stores quickly stepped in to help.
On Saturday, a Utah State Emergency Response Team (SERT) contact reached out to AFS for assistance. Within minutes, AFS Vice President of Distribution Justin Johnson coordinated with the Farr West distribution team to deliver eight pallets of water the following day, with special thanks to the transportation team and driver Gary Heck for their quick and dedicated efforts.
The donated pallets arrived Sunday evening at Griffin Merc, an AFS member store in Escalante. County officials coordinated distribution so local residents could access the water. Coca-Cola also contributed canned water to the relief effort.
Kevin Griffin, son of the store’s owner, expressed gratitude for AFS’ rapid response. “We’re proud to be a part of AFS,” Griffin said. “This is what we’re all about, helping communities when they need it most.”
SERT and Garfield County officials praised the partnership. AFS’ swift action highlights the cooperative role AFS and its local member stores can play in emergency response, ensuring critical resources reach residents efficiently during urgent situations.