Building Stronger Communities Through Summer Resource Fairs in North Central
During the summer months, community partners across North Central Idaho come together to host resource fairs that connect neighbors with essential health, wellness, and community services—all in one convenient location. By coordinating these fairs alongside Mobile Pantries and at Partner Agency sites, The Idaho Foodbank helps reduce barriers to care while creating welcoming spaces where individuals and families can access multiple forms of support during a single visit.
These resource fairs offer a wide range of services, including blood pressure screenings, A1C testing, healthcare information and referrals, employment resources, housing and utility assistance, nutrition education, and connections to additional food programs. Recent partners include CHAS Health Mobile Clinic, St. Mary’s Health, Community Action Partnership (CAP), Clearwater Valley Health, Public Health, and other local organizations—each playing a vital role in strengthening community well‑being.
Food insecurity is often intertwined with challenges such as access to healthcare, stable employment, housing, and transportation. By bringing trusted organizations directly to families while they receive nutritious food, these fairs help address immediate needs and support long‑term health.
A recent example of this collaborative spirit took place on August 1 at Lapwai High School during the Be My Neighbor event, hosted by Idaho Public Television. Inspired by the values of the PBS Kids show Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and the legacy of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, the family‑friendly event welcomed children and parents for a day of kindness, learning, and community connection. Families enjoyed interactive games, activities, educational booths, and the chance to meet Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat from the show—creating joyful memories for children across the region.
The Idaho Foodbank participated as one of the community partners, engaging children ages 3 to 8 with fun. nutrition‑focused activities. This included information about MyPlate nutrition to help families build healthy meals and lifelong habits. The event brought together a wide network of organizations—from Idaho STEM Ecosystem and University of Idaho programs to Nez Perce Tribe departments, Public Health, and many others—showcasing the power of collaboration in supporting children, families, and communities.
Events like Be My Neighbor Day reflect the heart of our summer resource fairs: creating accessible, supportive environments where families can learn, connect, and thrive. The Idaho Foodbank is honored to partner with Idaho Public Television and so many dedicated organizations working toward a shared goal of building healthier, stronger communities—one neighbor at a time.