Page 18 - Giving Guide_FINAL

18 A TIME FOR GIVING

Food distribution has these 4.1 million meals over the closest to them, and when it’s

increased by 47% during the Thanksgiving and Christmas open.
Many partners offer what’s
holiday season.
“There’s no way we could do this
called a choice pantry, which is
pandemic, and the Idaho by ourselves,” Vauk said. “It’s the set up kind of like a grocery store,
network of partners.”
where people can come in and
Currently underway is one of
Foodbank has spent $1.5 the Idaho Foodbank’s most popu- pick out food items they want or
need. Due to the pandemic, the
Idaho Foodbank and partners went
lar and, previously, well-attended
million to purchase food. events: Empty Bowls. Vauk said the to what’s called a pre-packaged
model, where a series of food items
tradition will continue this year, but
a bit differently due to coronavirus will be provided to those partners,
concerns. Community members then the partners could put those
The Idaho Foodbank has a goal state. Traditionally, 92% of food can purchase bowls for up to three packages in people’s vehicles when
during its Hope for the Holidays provided is donated by community weeks: until Dec. 11. One-of-a-kind they drove up to the food distribu-
campaign: collect enough food members, and the Idaho Foodbank bowls handcrafted by local artists tion location.
and raise enough funds for 4.1 relies entirely on private monetary are also featured. More information Additionally, since the pandemic,
million meals over the two months. donations. is available at idahofoodbank.org/ community food distributions were
“Giving is such a dominant part This year, the Idaho Foodbank event/empty-bowls. started, which have allowed the
of everyone’s thought process this received $2.56 million in CARES act The Idaho Foodbank operates Idaho Foodbank “a new channel”
year,” said Karen Vauk, president funding to help with the purchase five of its own programs statewide: of distributing food. Here, a truck is
and CEO of the Idaho Foodbank. of food. the Backpack Program, Cooking pulled into a parking lot and indi-
“This is a wonderful opportunity “We were grateful,” Vauk said. Matters, Mobile Pantry, School viduals or families drive through.
every year, but especially this year, “The state has been generous, [as Pantry and Senior Nutrition — The “We’ve had amazing donors who
when we have so many struggling.” well as] individuals, corporations, Commodity Supplemental Food provide assistance,” Vauk added.
Food distribution has increased foundations, we’re really fortunate Program. Approximately 85% of all “Partners donate truckloads of
by 47% during the pandemic, and in Idaho to have such a generous food Idaho Foodbank distributes is food. We’ve been so grateful for
the Idaho Foodbank has spent $1.5 spirit of giving.” nutritious. the outpouring of monetary sup-
million to purchase food. The Idaho Foodbank is a 36-year- “That is so important, especially port as well.”
“That’s five times our annual old statewide nonprofit with when individuals and families are The mobile pantry is most often
budget,” Vauk said. “We’ve never facilities in Meridian, Lewiston struggling,” Vauk said. “Sometimes used to get food to higher need
had to purchase this much food and Pocatello, connected to 465 they’ll compromise.” areas, or areas that don’t have a
before.” partners throughout the state. On the Idaho Foodbank’s pantry, that are more remote areas.
For the first time in its history, These 465 partners, including website is a food locator, where The majority of Idaho Foodbank’s
Idaho Foodbank received hundreds of churches and food residents can put in their address partners have been able to stay
financial assistance from the pantries, will help distribute to find the food distribution center open during the pandemic.

The Idaho Foodbank

The Idaho Foodbank’s Mission is to help feed, educate
and advocate for Idaho’s hungry through collaborative
MEMBER OF
partnerships to develop efficient solutions that strengthen
individuals, families and communities.

TO DONATE GO TO: idahofoodbank.org