The United States Department of Agriculture recently announced an update to the Thrifty Food Plan. The Thrifty Food Plan is used to calculate SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. SNAP is also referred to as food stamps. This Thrifty Food Plan update was required by the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill. This modernizes SNAP to reflect healthy eating recommendations and food prices.
Crisp, sweet, and nutritious apples. They can be sliced, diced, and paired with delicious dipping sauces. Incorporating this nutrient-dense fruit in our diets can aid everything from digestion to protection against free radicals (cancer-causing molecules). Eating apples is a great way to incorporate more fiber, potassium, and vitamin C into our diet. In combination with a balanced diet, these nutrients can aid in chronic illness prevention. Apples are an easy, healthy snack with vast benefits!
September’s Staff Spotlight is on Rhoda Hall, who works in the Gift Processing Department in Meridian.
The Idaho Foodbank is hosting a statewide Back to School campaign for the entire month of September. In an effort to support kids all over Idaho who are experiencing hunger, the campaign will raise funds for the Backpack and School Pantry programs. There will be activities in the Treasure Valley and across Idaho during the month to support children through school-based programs.
For those in need, The Idaho Foodbank will be sponsoring a Treasure Valley food distribution on Saturday, August 28 from 10 AM to 2 PM in the parking lot of our Meridian warehouse. Note: In order to minimize traffic congestion, instead of using Commercial Court please use E. Pine Avenue and enter through N. Touchmark Ave.
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.
