2026 Partner Conferences
Last month The Idaho Foodbank hosted our first partner conferences of the year. The regional conferences in Boise and Twin Falls brought together around 80 of our partner agencies, all of whom are working in their communities to directly provide food assistance to neighbors in need. The conferences provided valuable opportunities for partners to exchange ideas and learn from one another, strengthening our collective action. St. Luke’s graciously hosted both conferences, providing a great space and food.
The day opened with a look at The Idaho Foodbank’s 2030 vision, outlining how we are working alongside the partner network to Nourish Today for a Food‑Secure Tomorrow. This shared vision set the stage for deeper conversations about collaboration, adaptability, and the collective role our network plays in shaping Idaho’s future.
Participants then explored the current state of the human services sector. They gained insight into the challenges nonprofits are facing, from funding uncertainty to increasing community need, and learned practical strategies to strengthen organizational sustainability and resilience. A hands‑on nutrition education mini‑class brought learning to life, modeling meal‑building, label‑reading, and budget‑friendly strategies using pantry staples, while highlighting nutrition education resources available to support partner pantries.
The day concluded with forward‑looking conversations on nutrition, health partnerships, and advocacy, demonstrating how data, lived experience, and trusted community relationships can drive awareness and meaningful change. Together, these sessions reinforced that ending hunger is not one organization’s work alone—it is a shared effort grounded in learning, partnership, and collective action.
Many thanks to United Healthcare Community Plan of Idaho for being the Statewide Sponsor of all four regional Idaho Foodbank Partner Conferences and being present at each conference to support hunger-relief organizations.
