Health starts where we live, learn, work and play. Many people only think of healthcare services when envisioning health, but 70% of our health is determined by behavior and environment. In addition to doctor visits, access to nutritious food, education, stable and affordable housing, transportation, and air/water quality in our environment are all part of what is known as social determinants of health.
The Giving Cupboard in Rigby, Idaho found a new way to serve their community members over the last year. Naomi Schilling and her team of volunteers operate in a converted warehouse outside of town.
It is currently Harvest Season and it is a great time of year for fresh fruits and vegetables. We know fresh produce is not always readily available, so here is a helpful guide when choosing among frozen, canned, or fresh fruits and vegetables. This chart has tips on the pros and cons of each type of produce.
Brittany Armentrout and Theo White and their children have been regular volunteers at The Idaho Foodbank’s Lewiston location for several years. When they got married in May of this year, their guests did not hesitate when Brittany and Theo asked for donations to The Idaho Foodbank in lieu of gifts.
Harvest season is the time of year when we all enjoy fruits and vegetables at the peak of freshness. At The Idaho Foodbank, harvest reminds us of the value of fresh produce in living a healthy life, as well as the generosity of our Idaho growers. Over one-third of the food we provided in fiscal year 2021 were fruits and vegetables.
Donations to help firefighters and people in the Lewiston area who have been displaced due to the wildfires in North Central Idaho can be made to several dependable charity organizations in Lewiston. A news release from the Nez Perce County Officer of Emergency Management asked residents to make donations to local food banks and pantries, or consider a monetary donation to The Idaho Foodbank or the Red Cross.
Think of protein as the body’s building block. It’s a vital part of muscle, tissue, bone, skin, blood, hormones, enzymes and vitamins. There are a variety of protein foods and they each offer different nutrients. Most Americans get enough protein, but not everyone gets all of the benefits of protein foods.
The Grocery Outlet Independence From Hunger Campaign in Lewiston will take place every Friday in July!
I love working with the senior population in our state. It is very rewarding for me to have the opportunity to help them find solutions for their food insecurity at a time in their lives when it may not be easy for them to ask.
Mike Vanderkooi has been a volunteer at The Idaho Foodbank’s Pocatello facility for more than 10 years. Mike also has Multiple Sclerosis. When the pandemic hit, he was unable to attend volunteer sessions and was devastated that he had to stay home. While he did get to practice his diamond dot skills, he missed helping and supporting his community.
On June 24th, the Idaho Business Review hosted the CEO of Influence 2021 Award. This award recognizes top business and nonprofit leaders throughout the state. Congratulations to The Idaho Foodbank’s own Karen Vauk, who was one of the 20 honorees. Honorees were selected for consistently demonstrating strong leadership, integrity, values, commitment to excellence and diversity. Foodbank Board Member Diane Bevan was also recognized.
The Idaho Food Bank Fund 2021 grant application process is open between July 1 and July 31, 2021 to Idaho 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide nutrition awareness, promote healthy eating or relieve hunger. Funds can be used to operate programs, purchase food, purchase nutrition education materials, expand capacity (new freezers, shelving, transportation, etc), or promote access for anyone in need, including underserved and/or marginalized populations.
