This is our twenty-fifth year, our twenty-fifth holiday season. Coming up is our eleventh annual Empty Bowls fundraiser. And we have wonderful late news: Thanks to you, we have met our communities' requests for more than 11,000 Thanksgiving turkeys. Our sincere thanks for all you have done to help this Thanksgiving and everything you have done for the past two-and-a-half decades.

This is the November edition of Idaho Foodbytes, The Idaho Foodbank's electronic newsletter, Volume VII, Number 11.

-- David Proctor

 

The Idaho Foodbank
25 Years of leading the fight against hunger in Idaho

November Contents
1. Empty Bowls Will Feature Kristin Armstrong-Autographed Bowls
2. Turkey Drives Meet Goal for Thanksgiving, Christmas Need Will be High
3. Boy Scouts Set Record with 2008 Food Drive
4. Idaho Moves from 13th to 24th Hungriest State
5. Gallery of Giving I: AgriBeef and URS
6. Gallery of Giving II: Wal-Mart and the Mustang Club
7. Consider Community Service in Lieu of Gifts This Year
8. Christmas Tree Sales to Benefit Foodbank
9. New Tax Law Extends Donations from IRAs
10. Fact of the Month: Food Stamps
11. Quote of the Month: Ann Landers
12. The Foodbank's 2008 Calendar

There is always a line as people wait their turn to pick out their bowl(s). This year one of the prized items will be two metal bowls signed by gold medalist Kristin Armstrong.

At the Popular 11th Annual Fundraiser, Nov. 28

Empty Bowls Will Feature
Kristin Armstrong and Johnny Unser-Autographed Bowls

It is a beautiful Boise day. You are on the Grove plaza the day after Thanksgiving, walking slowly along the row of tables as you examine hundreds of beautiful bowls and try to decide which one – or ones – to take home, perhaps as Christmas gifts.

That is the dilemma, and the fun, of Empty Bowls, the Foodbank’s annual fundraiser, sponsored by Albertsons.

For the eleventh year, we will offer handcrafted or pre-cast, hand-painted bowls made and donated by both accomplished and novice artists from across southern Idaho and as far away as Cape Cod. This year, among the 2,000 bowls, we will feature two handmade metal bowls autographed by Kristin Armstrong, Boise's gold-medal cyclist and two ceramic bowls signed by Johnny Unser of the renowned Unser racing family. Unser has raced at the grueling Indy 500, Grand Am Rolex 24 at Daytona and has served as race director for Champ Car Atlantic Championship Series.

These four will cost a little more, but most bowl prices start at $10, and gourmet soup comes with each bowl. Choose from a wide variety of fabulous handmade soups made by the chefs from 20-25 of Boise's best restaurants. Our booth will again be located on the sidewalk near the Brick Oven Bistro's patio (on the Grove), courtesy of Oppenheimer Development.

We're also happy to announce that Idaho Power and the Idaho Statesman will join us as a sponsor this year.

And as in years past, Empty Bowls, with Albertsons as title sponsor, will be on the day after Thanksgiving. This year it's Friday, Nov. 28, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

This is a family-friendly event that allows you to choose your bowl(s) from among the 2,000 made by both experienced and novice artists. And every $10 purchase will help put 30 meals on the tables of Idahoans in need.

If you can't make it to Empty Bowls, you can always donate your $10 online using this link...

(Left) Honeysuckle White and Albertsons donated, and BSU football players helped load, the first 200 turkeys to kick off this year's holiday drive as the media documented the event. Thanks you all. (Right) Kip Ladd, co-owner of Ladd's Family Pharmacy, wore the turkey costume and worked with KBOI's Nate Shelman to bring in 153 turkeys and $1,662. Kip said he had so much fun he wants to make it an annual event. Thanks to Kip and the Ladd family and to Nate and the KBOI family.

Every Request Met for Holiday

Turkey Drives Meet Goal for Thanksgiving,
Christmas Need Will Be High

On behalf of thousands of Idaho families, thank you. This is what you provided for Thanksgiving 2008:

Statewide, public generosity allowed the Foodbank to meet every request. We will distribute 11,632 Thanksgiving turkeys, hams and chickens, depending upon the requests. This is up from 9,229 turkeys, etc. requested and supplied last year, and from 6,934 in 2006.

Of that total, 7,185 went out of the Boise warehouse (up from 6,259 last year), 2,398 from our Pocatello facility (up from 1,735 last year), and 2,049 from our Lewiston operation (up from 1,754).

Those numbers are both gratifying and distressing. They are gratifying because they demonstrate the commitment Idahoans have to helping their less-fortunate neighbors. But the increased need compared to last year is painful.

Still, it was the amazing generosity of the donating public that ensured we could meet the demand. Our deep thanks to all the donors who made a difference in so many lives.

We are also grateful for Honeysuckle White. The company once again donated the first 200 birds of our annual turkey drive. And a thank-you to the members of the BSU football team who helped load those first 200. To Honeysuckle, Albertsons and our many other sponsors, we say a grateful thank you.

For Christmas, we expect the number of requests to be about the same, which is to say high. In the Treasure Valley, turkeys can be dropped at all Les Schwab stores and RC Willey, 3310 Lanark in Meridian. Of course, you can always bring them to the Foodbank, 3562 S. TK Ave.

In Pocatello, drop them at the Foodbank, 555 S. 1st Ave; in Lewiston the warehouse is at 3600 E. Main St.

Watch the news coverage of the Honeysuckle White donation by using this link...

(Left) The week before the food drive, Scouts dropped grocery bags on doorsteps throughout the area. (Photo courtesy of the Dwello family.)
(Right) Then more Scouts picked up the food and delivered it to Foodbank trucks parked at Wal-Mart stores. It was the largest food drive the Ore-Ida Council has ever held.

120,000 Pounds!

Boy Scouts Set Record with 2008 Food Drive

The rain held off just long enough, and Scouts across the Treasure Valley collected a record 120,349 pounds of food on Saturday, Nov. 8, during the annual Scouting for Food drive.

This is a new record for this drive, up an astounding 83% from the 65,728 pounds collected last year. The previous high was in 2002 with 89,983.

Thousands of Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorers and Venturing scouts from the Ore-Ida Council (which covers all of Southwest Idaho), along with adult volunteers, went out in advance of the drive to distribute grocery bags to neighborhood households, then went back to pick up the donated food. In addition, some 250 volunteers packed the food into trucks for transport to the Foodbank.

Sponsors this year were the Ore-Ida Council, Wal-Mart, West Coast Paper, Hall E. Woode Productions, Idaho Power and The Idaho Foodbank.

"With Idahoans facing one of the highest rates of hunger in the country and food donations from large national donors down dramatically, this drive was a way for all of us to come together and jointly assure that everyone has a place at the holiday table," said Roger Simon, the Foodbank’s president and CEO. "Our Scouts provided an easy way for all of us to contribute to hunger relief, a way to work together to help eliminate the pain and the humiliation that comes from a lack of food."

A huge thanks to everyone associated with the Ore-Ida Council, including their dedicated staff, the thousands of scouts who took part, their parents who helped them deliver the bags and pick up the food and, of course, to all the sponsors and donors who made this drive so amazing.

Know someone in the Treasure or Magic valleys who needs food assistance? Click right here...

Idaho Moves from 13th to 24th
Hungriest State

But 11.4% of Idaho Residents Still Struggle with Hunger, Says 2007 Data


Idaho has dropped from the 13th to the 24th hungriest state during 2005-2007, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's annual report released today. The USDA found 11.4% of Idaho citizens (about 167,000 people) live in households that struggled with hunger or were "food insecure." Food insecurity is the USDA term used to describe households that struggle to afford enough food and are unsure of their food supply.

While Idaho’s numbers improved, nationally they went in the opposite direction. More than 36.2 million people – 12.2% – lived in households that were food insecure in 2007 – up from 35.5 million in 2006 and 33.2 million in 2000. Children suffered the same upward trend as the general population. Some 691,000 children went hungry in America sometime in 2007, the USDA said. The department's annual report on food security showed that during 2007 the number of children who suffered a substantial disruption in the amount of food they typically eat was more than 50% above the 430,000 in 2006 and was the largest figure since 716,000 in 1998.

The study also found that 3.4% of households in Idaho actually experienced hunger in 2005-2007. This ranks Idaho as 37th on the list of 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The previous study, which covered the period 2004-2006, found Idaho ranked 13th in food insecurity with 12.7% of households considered food insecure and 3.3% of households that actually experienced hunger.

"The significant improvement in Idaho’s ranking according to the USDA shows what can happen when Idahoans come together to support one another," said Roger Simon, the Foodbank's President and CEO. "The tremendous network of Foodbank agencies and improved access by governmental groups can and does make a difference. Now we must focus on the 11.4% of our friends and neighbors who struggle to feed themselves and their families. Any child, any adult and any senior citizen who suffers from hunger is too many."

Food drives don't have to be huge to be successful. There is even a "Food and Fund Drive Kit" right here...

Gallery of Giving I

(Left) Rick Stott, Vice President of AgriBeef, stopped by this month with a check for $42,500 and posed for this photo in front of an appropriate backdrop. (Right) The employees at URS in Boise held a food-and-fund drive and presented Foodbank with $1,650 and 3,756 pounds of food.

Every dollar can provide three nutritious meals. Just click here for our donation page...

Gallery of Giving II

(Left) Walmart officials and associates came to the Foodbank to drop off a $60,000 check to support the BackPack for Kids program. Michele Gabbitas, Children's Nutritional Services Manager, third from right, accepts the check. Thank you, Walmart. (Right) The Treasure Valley Mustang Club again this year sponsored a November vintage car rally to bring turkeys, food and cash into the Foodbank. This year the club invited other car groups to participate. As a result, the Turkey Trot Food Drive brought in 118 turkeys, 500 pounds of food and $1,369 in cash. Our thanks to everyone concerned, especially Big Jack Armstrong, who promoted the event so enthusiastically on True Oldies 99.1 FM.

Everything you wanted to know about The Idaho Foodbank is just a click away...

Consider Community Service in Lieu of Gifts This Year

A little short on cash this year? Consider volunteering as a family.

Community service is an effective way to teach children about social issues, to show them a different perspective of the world, to advance the common good and to understand that the world is a better place when we care for one another. While enjoying quality family time, you're also teaching positive values, creating a new generation of volunteers and increasing your family's commitment to community.

Or, instead of buying gifts, you can make a contribution to a charitable organization in a loved one's name. Even small contributions can make a huge difference.

Our volunteer page is just a click away...

With Online Sale

Christmas Tree Sales to Benefit Foodbank

Buy a tree, make a donation. It's that easy.

Buy a beautiful Oregon Christmas tree online and donate part of the purchase price to The Idaho Foodbank. That's right, you can enjoy a classic, fresh Christmas tree in your home and at the same time help feed Idaho families over the holidays.

Just use the link below, pick out your tree and designate the Foodbank as your charity of choice. Then pick up your tree on the date specified. Nothing to it. And thank you for thinking of the Foodbank.

Here is the link to a beautiful tree...

New Tax Law Extends Donations from IRAs

On October 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which includes an extension of the IRA Charitable Rollover (Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008, H.R. 1424). The extension will allow individuals 70 and older to donate tax-free up to $100,000 from their IRAs to charities such as the Foodbank. The provision expires in December 2009 but offers new flexibility for giving right now.

The extension is also retroactive, so it applies to distributions made throughout both the 2008 and 2009 tax years.

Here are some questions and answers about the donation possibilities:

1. What is The IRA Charitable Rollover provision of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424)?
It is an extension of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 law signed by President Bush in August 2006, which allows up to $100,000 of tax-free distributions per year from IRAs for charitable purposes. The extension is retroactive, applying to distributions made throughout both 2008 and 2009 tax years.

2. Can I make a charitable donation with any of my retirement plans?
No. Under H.R. 1424, you may only make a charitable distribution from a traditional IRA or Roth IRA. Distributions from simple IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, as well as other retirement plans do not qualify. However, some of the non-eligible plans may allow you the opportunity to rollover those plans into an IRA qualified plan. You should consult with your plan administrator to determine if this option is available to you.

3. Can anyone make a charitable donation from their IRA qualified plan?
No. You must be at least 70˝ years old by the date of the contribution to charity. This should not be confused with the rule that requires plan participants to begin receiving the required minimum distribution in the same year that they reach age 70˝.

4. When does the IRA Charitable Rollover provision of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424) take effect?
The provision is retroactive and applies to distributions made throughout both the 2008 and 2009 tax years. It is set to expire again in December 2009.

5. How do I make a charitable donation from my IRA qualified plan?
You must ask your IRA plan administrator to transfer funds directly to the charity of your choice. Check with your administrator or tax advisor for more information.

6. Can I direct my IRA donation to a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust?
No. Neither of these charitable gift arrangements qualifies under this new law.

7. Can I direct my IRA donation to a donor-advised fund?
No. A donor-advised fund does not qualify under this new law.

8. Will I qualify for a charitable deduction by making an IRA donation from my qualified plan to the charity of my choice?
No. You do not receive a tax deduction for making a charitable distribution from your IRA qualified plan, but those funds are transferred to the charity of your choice free from taxes.

9. What are the advantages of making an IRA donation from my qualified plan to the charity of my choice?
The advantages will vary by donor. In general, this new law allows individuals who are 70˝ or older to make tax-free gifts to the charities of their choice using funds that would otherwise be subject to tax under mandatory withdrawal rules. As always, we strongly recommend that you consult your own financial or tax advisor to determine what is best for your personal situation.

We make donating easy. Just check out our donation page with a click here...

Fact of the Month

From August 2007 to August 2008, Idaho food stamp use jumped 20.6%, the third highest rate of increase in the nation.

Without you, there is no Foodbank. And we hope you will continue to help feed hungry families. Just click here to start the process...

Quote of the Month

"Do your givin' while you're livin'...then you'll be knowin' where it's goin'.


Ann Landers (1918- 2002)

Born Esther Friedman, wrote a syndicated advice column under the name Ann Landers for 45 years.

Care to lend a hand in the battle against hunger? Here's the link to our volunteer page...

The Foodbank's 2008 Calendar

November-December - "Take Your Turkey to Work." It's easy, it's fun and it will bring thousands of hungry Idaho families together for holiday meals. For information: www.idahofoodbank.org. Statewide

November 1 - Turkey drives begin. Drop off your frozen turkey donation at any Les Schwab stores or R.C. Willey. Treasure Valley

November 1-30 - Shu's Idaho Running Company food drive. 1758 W. State Street. Bring in two cans of food, and receive $10 off any regular-priced shoes in the store. 344-6604. Boise

November 1-December 23 - Blaz'n Diagnostics food drive. Free brake pads or shoes with donation of 20 cans of food. 4338 W. Chinden Blvd. 323-9292. Treasure Valley

November 28 - Empty Bowls on the Grove. It's the 11th year for this popular community fundraiser located adjacent to the Brick Oven Bistro patio. We need 2,000 bowls, which will be sold for $10 and up. All come with a bowl of gourmet soup and bread. Bowls will come this year from Cape Cod to Caldwell. Call 336-9643 for information about how to donate bowls or about the event itself. Treasure Valley

November 29 - Edge Performance Sports food drive. Bring cans of food to the sale on Honda motorcycles. Ontario, Ore. 541- 889-4099.

December 1-31 - Idaho Pizza Company food drive. Donate three cans of food and receive your choice of $3 off a large pizza , $2 off a medium pizza or $1 off a small. Boise, Meridian, Kuna, Nampa and Caldwell. 724-2375.

December 1-December 31 - The Garden City Library "Fines for Food" food drive. Contact is Lisa 472-2943

December 3-22 - Holiday Bucks at Albertsons. Treasure Valley

December 5-15 - Nelson's RVs in Garden City and Nelson's Outwest RVs in Caldwell's "Hauling it in for Hunger" food drive. Fill two Toy Haulers with food, pricing discounts and sign up for drawings. www.nelsonsrvs.com.

Your time and skills are like gold to us. Please volunteer now. Click here for information...

Thank You!
The Idaho Foodbank is a network of more than 200 non-profit agencies statewide, is an affiliate of Feeding America (formerly America's Second Harvest - The Nation's Food Bank Network) and is proud to be supported by several United Ways in Idaho. Please consider helping us feed hungry Idahoans by donating online today at http://www.idahofoodbank.org/donate.htm.

You can use the handy form at the bottom to forward this edition of Idaho Foodbytes to any of your friends who want more information about hunger and poverty in Idaho, want to know more about the Foodbank or would enjoy photos of recent Foodbank events.

To see our past newsletters and get much more information about who we are and what we do, check our award-winning web site: http://www.idahofoodbank.org (First place, Idaho Press Club 2005 and 2007). You are also welcome to stop by our three warehouses: Boise, 3562 S. TK Avenue; Lewiston, 3600 E. Main; and Pocatello, 555 S. 1st Avenue.

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