Idaho Hunger Awareness Month
October is Hunger Awareness Month in Idaho, which shines a light on the challenges for individuals and families facing hunger. This is also an opportunity to highlight and strengthen the partnerships and coalitions that work together to address hunger in Idaho.
Over 8 percent of Idahoans are facing food insecurity, according to the most recent Map the Meal Gap report from Feeding America, using 2021 data. This includes 8.6 percent of Idaho children.
Counties with the highest rates of food insecurity nationwide, and in Idaho, are disproportionately rural. Our mobile pantries are one of the tools we use to serve our rural communities. In the last fiscal year, The Idaho Foodbank served an average of 48,514 seniors and older Americans each month. We continue to refine our services to these high need, rural, and marginalized communities in Idaho.
Although hunger is more prevalent in some communities, hunger exists in every county of Idaho and the United States. Many individuals and organizations interested in food insecurity will participate in the Idaho Hunger Summit in October. This will be a time to discuss many of the focus areas that came out of the White House Conference on Hunger last year, including improving food access and affordability; empowering all consumers to make and have access to healthy choices; enhancing nutrition and food security research; and integrating nutrition and health.
As we work to build a healthier and food secure future for our neighbors, our collaboration with others is key to that success. Through our statewide network of community partners and our coalitions with organizations around the state, The Idaho Foodbank will continue our work to solve hunger while simultaneously contributing to the health and well-being of those we serve.
Idaho Hunger Awareness Month is a time for all Idahoans to reflect on the challenges facing their neighbors and think about how we can make a positive difference and build a food secure future for all Idahoans.
How can I help? Give Time, Treasure, and Voice to help end hunger in your community.