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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.

In a state where cattle outnumber people, it is no surprise that the Idaho Beef Industry has had a tremendous impact on local communities and the economy of Idaho. July is Idaho Beef Month and it is also our opportunity to say “Thank You” to the industry for supporting neighbors facing hunger through the Beef Counts program.

Idaho Beef Council Vice-Chair, Bill Lickley talks about the ten-year anniversary of Beef Counts and how the Idaho beef industry works together to supply families in need with nutritious beef products to promote nutrition. This was filmed at an Idaho Beef Council distribution in Gooding last summer during the height of the pandemic. To recognize Idaho Beef Month and help thank the ranchers and the beef industry we will be featuring articles, recipes and other useful information. We cannot over-emphasize the need for nutritious protein to help our neighbors in Idaho who struggle with food insecurity.

The “Farmers to Families Food Box Program” is part of the USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). We now have distribution dates for October. Please note: Dates and times are subject to change and distributions may be added, rescheduled or cancelled with little notice.

This school year has looked and felt different for children and families across the country. But as the summer season begins, it is important to remember that summer can also mark the time of year when children have less food to eat.

Vonda Pattee celebrated her 25th anniversary with The Idaho Foodbank this year. We appreciate her service, commitment, and integrity.