After significant public opposition from various community organizations, church groups, and food banks and other nonprofits in Idaho, the Idaho Legislature did not advance House Bill 764 out of Committee. This bill would have created criminal liability for organizations that ‘knowingly’ provide certain types of services and/or aid to undocumented immigrants.  

The language used in the bill around ‘knowing’ the client’s immigration status was extremely vague and could be interpreted as holding charitable organizations accountable for simply serving someone who is suspected of not having legal status. Some specific examples of activities that could be interpreted as illegal under this bill include providing food assistance at a food pantry, providing overnight emergency shelter, or transporting a child to an afterschool program. We appreciated so many members of our partner network engaging with legislators to share information about how this bill would have negatively impacted charitable organizations. You can read news coverage of the Committee Hearing in the Idaho Press.  

House Bill 730 was a bill related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that was passed in the Idaho Legislature after some changes were made to the original version of the bill. It was then signed into law by the Governor. This bill increases the amount and frequency of data checks and income verification requirements that the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare has to do for someone to receive SNAP. Idaho already has a robust verification system for SNAP beneficiaries. The Idaho Legislature also passed additional funding for the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare to implement the new requirements in this bill. We are concerned that this bill will lead to an increase in Idaho’s low SNAP Error Rate, which has new significance under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB). The SNAP Error Rate is a measure of both overpayments and underpayments in a state’s SNAP Program. You can learn more about the OBBB and SNAP Error Rates here. 

We will continue to monitor implementation impacts of House Bill 730 on SNAP in Idaho, which is an important program for serving Idahoans who are food insecure. 

The post 2026 Legislative Session wrap-up appeared first on The Idaho Foodbank.

Our volunteers do a variety of jobs, including re-packing large produce donations into family-size bags, filling food boxes for seniors, or directly giving food to the people in need in their community at one of our mobile pantries. 

If you are interested in volunteering at any of our three locations, please visit our website here: 

We want to take a moment to shine a spotlight on some of our volunteers around the state. 

EASTERN IDAHO 

This month, the Eastern branch recognizes the Pocatello Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (PUUF) as our volunteer group of the year. Since 2021, PUUF has demonstrated unwavering commitment to The Idaho Foodbank and the communities we serve. Their members volunteer consistently each month, bringing reliability, positivity, and a strong sense of purpose to every project. PUUF also gives financially, further strengthening their impact and dedication.  PUUF is a group we can always count on to step in, work hard, and see tasks through completion. 

NORTH CENTRAL IDAHO 

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation month, Lewiston celebrates Judy Hepburn as their Outstanding Volunteer of The Year. Judy started volunteering in 2020 and has served over 430 hours. Whether that is helping to lead our repack volunteer shifts, working at our mobile distributions or serving neighbors in our onsite Choice Pantry. Judy always brings positivity, goes the extra mile, and shows up for her community. 

SOUTHWEST IDAHO 

This year, the Meridian branch celebrated volunteers who have given over 250 hours of their time to The Idaho Foodbank. These individuals have done every activity available, gaining remarkable experience that allows them to lead and model for others. Because of their consistency, these volunteers have also built a special community and developed strong relationships with IFB staff. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication.    

The post Volunteer Appreciation Month – 2026 appeared first on The Idaho Foodbank.

Previously food had been stored in several rooms at the church. To convert the pantry they had to move and sort the food, as well as clean and reorganize the spaces they had previously been using. To help with the cleaning process, the Episcopal church members stepped in. These volunteers worked many hours to turn two rooms into a Choice Pantry. Members who were electricians helped move the refrigerators and freezers and change the lighting. They built racking for storage and a clean easy shopping experience for Neighbors to shop the pantry at ease. They also built a community garden for fresh produce in summer and fall.  Lastly, the pantry began collecting Food Rescue from Winco to help supplement proteins, bakery items, and snack items. 

Recently, Episcopal Church had a Volunteer Appreciation Lunch to thank the 30 + volunteers for all the work they do to make the Choice Pantry run smoothly. The Idaho Foodbank staff were invited to attend this celebration. It is exciting to see all the work that Episcopal Church Pantry has accomplished over the last few years and how the volunteers help each week to serve Lewiston and the surrounding communities. This pantry’s leadership has made leaps and bounds in making the Choice Pantry a huge success in the fight against food insecurity. 

The post Volunteers Remake Food Pantry in Nez Perce County appeared first on The Idaho Foodbank.

This year’s campaign features an exciting lineup of community-driven events throughout March, April, and May in Pocatello. Following a highly successful kickoff concert that launched the campaign on March 14th, we are gearing up for the massive community-wide Grocery Store Food Drive. From 9:00am-4:00pm on Saturday, April 11th, dedicated volunteers will be stationed at grocery stores across Pocatello to collect non-perishable food donations from generous shoppers. Stations will be set up at Fred Meyer, Ridley’s, and Albertsons locations throughout town. The momentum continues April 25th with a Progressive Dinner – starting at Caldwell Park at 5:30 PM – where guests will move between local churches within the neighborhood and enjoy appetizers, meals, and desserts prepared by nearly a dozen different faith groups. Finally, everyone is invited to gather for a Closing Ceremony on May 4th to celebrate the collective impact that the community has had in helping to address food insecurity across the region. 

The food and funds raised through this Feeding the 5000 campaign are vital to The Idaho Foodbank’s operations in East Idaho. Since 92% of our revenue is supported by individual, foundation, corporate, and community organization donors, the community support and awareness brought through this event are instrumental in allowing us to continue the work that we’re doing. We are continually inspired by the dedication of the Portneuf Valley Interfaith Fellowship and the thousands of community members who step up to participate and help those most in need. 

The post Feeding the 5000: A Spring Tradition of Giving and Gathering  appeared first on The Idaho Foodbank.

  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. 

The post 2026 Partner Conferences appeared first on The Idaho Foodbank.

Matching Madness is a March fundraising campaign that unites corporate and community support to fight food insecurity in the Treasure and Magic Valley. Participating companies and organizations provide a match to encourage employees, clients, friends, and family to give. Every gift is matched, thereby doubling contributions and creating an even greater impact together. 

Congratulations to TOK for winning this year’s Matching Madness challenge. KPFF also generously supported the campaign. Everyone wins by coming together to help end hunger in Idaho. 

The post Matching Madness appeared first on The Idaho Foodbank.

To reduce waste and promote sustainability, The Idaho Foodbank runs a Food Rescue program. Food Rescue is a partnership with grocers and convenience stores statewide that provides an opportunity to quickly distribute high-quality, nutritious, and often perishable food to our neighbors in need. Participating stores donate food items that have been pulled from inventory as they near their sell-by dates but are still safe to eat. The Foodbank works with over 170 grocers and convenience stores and over 70 of our community food distribution partners to get this food out to those facing food insecurity. During The Foodbank’s last fiscal year, 33% of our donated food came from the Food Rescue program.  

We are proud of our partnerships with grocery and convenience stores through Food Rescue. 

Thank you so much to the stores across the state who are part of Food Rescue: 

• Amazon 

• Albertsons 

• Bimbo 

• Boise Co-op 

• Broulim’s Fresh Foods 

• Costco 

• Dashmart 

• Fred Meyer 

• Gastons Bakery 

• Grocery Outlet 

• Jacksons Food Stores 

• Maverik 

• Moscow Co-op 

• Natural Grocers 

• Ridley’s 

• Rosauer’s 

• Safeway Stores 

• Sam’s Club 

• Smith’s 

• Stokes Market 

• Swensen’s Magic Market 

• Target 

• Trader Joe’s 

• Treasure Valley Coffee 

• US Foods CHEF’STORE 

• Walmart 

• Whole Foods 

• WinCo Foods 

The post Spotlighting Food Rescue for Earth Day appeared first on The Idaho Foodbank.

In 2025, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant and later invited The Idaho Foodbank to apply for additional funding during the government shutdown in fall 2025, when demand for food assistance increased sharply. Altogether, Bank of America contributed $25,000 last year, providing critical support for emergency food relief statewide during a time of heightened need. 

“Many Idaho families face affordability challenges,” said Lauren Murray, president, Bank of America Idaho. “As a demonstration of our commitment to responsible growth, Bank of America partners with The Idaho Foodbank to bring financial and volunteer resources to help meet the communities’ needs with urgency and care. We applaud the Idaho Foodbank’s ongoing dedication and value the opportunity to help Idahoans access the resources they need to thrive.” 

Bank of America’s partnership extends well beyond financial support. Since 2022, Bank of America employees have contributed 248 volunteer hours, with Treasure Valley branch teams volunteering five times in 2025 alone, and recently on February 25, 2026. By helping sort and repack food for distribution, their hands‑on support directly benefits our neighbors facing hunger. 

We are truly grateful for Bank of America’s holistic commitment to The Idaho Foodbank and the communities we serve. 

The post Addressing Community Needs with Bank of America appeared first on The Idaho Foodbank.

Adults should aim for 23-35 grams of fiber a day. Fiber helps you stay full, supports the health of your gut, helps with weight management, and can lower cholesterol. Add fiber to your diet gradually and drink plenty of water to reduce bloating and discomfort.   

Easy Scalloped Potato and White Bean Skillet 

Prep time: ~1 hour  

Servings: 4 servings  

Ingredients  

• 1 Tbsp olive or canola oil 

• 1 medium onion, sliced 

• 3 cloves garlic, minced 

• 5 ounces mushrooms, sliced 

• 2 ½ cup reduced fat milk or plant-based milk 

• 2 Tbsp corn starch 

• ¼ tsp nutmeg 

• ½ tsp paprika 

• ½ tsp ground mustard 

• ½ tsp salt 

• ¼ tsp black pepper 

• 6 small potatoes, thinly sliced (leave the peel on) 

• 1 – 15 ounce can white beans, rinsed and drained (no salt added) 

• ½ cup shredded cheese  

• Chopped parsley (optional garnish) 

Directions  

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Wash your hands! 

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 7 minutes. 

3. Add mushrooms and sauté for an additional 2 minutes. 

4. While vegetables are sauteing, in small bowl whisk together milk, cornstarch, nutmeg, paprika, ground mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. 

5. Pour sauce in skillet and stir until sauce thickens (about 2 minutes). 

6. Add potatoes to skillet and fold into sauce with a spoon. 

7. Gently mix in beans until ingredients are well distributed. 

8. Remove from stove. If skillet is oven safe, cover with foil and place on the top rack of the oven. If skillet is not oven safe, pour potato mixture into a 9×13 baking dish, cover with foil, and place on the top rack of the oven.  

9. Bake for 30 minutes.  

10. Remove foil and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Return to oven and bake for 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted. 

11. Remove from oven. Garnish with chopped parsley, if using.  

Total Calories  420 

Total Fat  10 g   

Saturated Fat  2 g   

Sodium  280 mg   

Carbohydrates  60 g   

Dietary Fiber  9 g  

Protein  16 g 

Dietitian Note:  

Can be served as the main dish with a salad or steamed veggies.  

Add as a side dish for baked chicken or pork loin with steamed carrots. 

The post Celebrate Earth Day by Eating Fiber  appeared first on The Idaho Foodbank.

I spent every summer of my life until I was 21 working at my family’s commercial fish site in Kenai Alaska. 

It was hard work and often messy but the opportunity to work alongside family has been a continued blessing – and it paid my way through college! 

2. How has The Idaho Foodbank helped you in your career development? 

The Idaho Foodbank has given me opportunity to challenge myself with things I never imagined I’d be a part of. 

I fell in love with non-profit work early on in my life and The Idaho Foodbank allowed me to not only work in a field I love but continue to develop as a leader. 

3. If you could switch your job with anyone else within The Idaho Foodbank, whose job would you want and why? 

I would love to be a picker and drive a forklift! 

4. What is your WHY, why do you work at The Idaho Foodbank? 

I have always had a passion to serve others. I believe that all humans should have access to basic needs such as food. 

But I also love to be a part of an organization that is working to help others create a better life for themselves. 

5. What lesson are you most grateful for learning? 

My grandpa taught me hard work, determination, and the importance of family. He started a family fishing business with nothing. 

This business evolved to 60+ years of his kids, grandkids & great grandkids all working alongside each other. 

6. What is your greatest personal achievement? 

Raising 2 daughters who love Jesus and love others. 

7. What is the kindest thing someone has done for you? 

During the 2008 recession when we lost our home and our business, we had someone offer us a house to live in for FREE for 1 year. 

This was a huge blessing to my family and allowed us to get back on our feet again. 

8. What is the best advice you have ever received? 

Don’t wish it away 

9. What is on your bucket list? 

A trip to Greece 

10. What has been the most impactful part of working at The Idaho Foodbank during your tenure? 

It has been amazing to see how many people in our community are willing to help others and support organizations like The Idaho Foodbank. 

We live in a great state with so many giving and caring individuals 

The post Employee Spotlight – Jana Wolf, Director of Programs & Partnerships – Meridian  appeared first on The Idaho Foodbank.