Recognizing our Partner Agencies Across the State
Learn more about some of our Partners in each region of the state that were recently recognized for their outstanding work in their communities.
Eastern Idaho Region
Benny’s Pantry at Idaho State University has grown into more than a food resource—it’s a community-centered space built on connection, dignity, and care. Under Lesa Crawford’s leadership, alongside innovative contributions from Rachel Nielsen, the pantry has expanded through initiatives like a community garden and student engagement efforts. By meeting students where they are and fostering a sense of belonging, the pantry provides not just food, but meaningful opportunities for involvement and support.
Kori Ellis has led The Giving Cupboard through significant challenges, transforming it into a stable and trusted community resource in Rigby. Through persistent grant work, strong partnerships, and community support, she has helped expand services, including mobile food distribution and access to essential non-food items. Her leadership has created a system that goes beyond food, offering stability, dignity, and connection for families, ensuring the organization continues to grow and meet evolving needs.
Rebecca Larsen is a deeply committed leader serving rural communities in Salmon and Challis, where she manages multiple programs while also running food distributions with minimal staff. Despite long, difficult travel and demanding responsibilities, she consistently shows up with dedication, humor, and heart. Known for her reliability and strong community presence, Rebecca is a trusted and valued partner whose work makes a lasting impact on the people she serves.
Oly Syverson was the heart of the Ririe Senior Center, dedicating years of service in roles ranging from bookkeeping to cooking, while also creating meaningful programs like a thrift store and coffee club that strengthened community connection. Sadly, Oly recently passed away. Known for her warmth and generosity, she built deep personal relationships, often becoming like family. Despite health challenges, she continued to give selflessly, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, service, and belonging that still lives on in the center and the people she impacted.
North Central Idaho Region
The Potlatch Senior Center exemplifies a strong, community-driven partner agency that goes beyond food distribution by supporting whole-person health, dignity, and connection through meals, nutrition education, and onsite health services. Following the unexpected loss of their head cook, the Center demonstrated resilience as staff, volunteers, and the broader community quickly stepped in to sustain operations, reinforcing its role as a trusted local hub. Their story highlights the impact of deeply rooted community partnerships and underscores why investing in organizations like Potlatch Senior Center strengthens long-term, locally driven solutions to hunger and health.
Orofino School District 171 demonstrates a dignity-centered approach to addressing food insecurity by combining strong school-based programs with advocacy, family engagement, and deep community partnerships. Beyond operating a school pantry and backpack program, district leaders advocate for food security and engage families through innovative offerings like Family Nights, skill-building activities, and youth volunteerism, which reduce stigma and strengthen access to food. Their model highlights how intentional outreach, relationship-building, and community-driven support can turn a school pantry into a sustainable hub for food access, connection, and learning an approach that is both impactful and replicable.
Pantry of Hope is a longtime Idaho Foodbank partner serving Craigmont and the surrounding Lewis County community since 2011. They demonstrate exceptional commitment to serving neighbors with dignity and creativity. More than a traditional pantry, Pantry of Hope provides hygiene items, cleaning supplies, diapers, and essential household goods that help restore confidence and stability for families. Their innovative community engagement efforts – including donor‑matching partnerships, monthly hygiene and cleaning kits, and the beloved Holiday Elf program – have sparked generosity and participation across Craigmont. With additional support from local churches, the courthouse, and other community partners, Pantry of Hope continues to strengthen its impact, offering consistent support year‑round and ensuring families can celebrate meaningful moments, including complete holiday meals.
South Central Idaho Region
Located in the rural community of Richfield, the Lincoln County Youth Center has become a resource for community members of all ages. In addition to operating a food pantry in an area with limited access to food, LCYC also operates a daycare and learning center and offers afterschool activities for children in Kindergarten through 12th grade. LCYC also makes sure that children from all across Lincoln County can participate by offering free transportation between nearby communities of Shoshone and Dietrich. LCYC offers children opportunities to participate in community service projects, learn valuable life skills, and provides a safe environment where everyone feels welcome.
Hope for the Hungry Community Food Pantry in Shoshone has recently installed a desktop computer at their pantry to assist community members with anything they might need a computer or internet access for. So far, coordinator Sheryl Mason-Parsons has helped community members with everything from filing their taxes to building their resume and applying for jobs. This has been a great resource for those who may struggle with computer usage and having this available in the same location as their food pantry is a valuable service for those who are food insecure.
The Blaine County Hunger Coalition in Bellevue emphasizes that everyone has a role in the movement to end hunger. In addition to their extensive work to provide food to those in need, they have a team of organizers that work within the community to take action on issues that lead to food insecurity, such as lack of affordable housing, barriers to quality education, and low wages. They also developed a Food Purchasing Policy to help them make values-based decisions when sourcing food that is good for the environment and the community. They provide frequent communication to ensure everyone is up to date and aware of advocacy opportunities that help address the root causes of hunger. Blaine County Hunger Coalition allows everyone to have a voice in the conversation around food insecurity.
Southwest Idaho Region
Adventist Community Services in Caldwell has been a partner of The Idaho Foodbank for 15 years and recently expanded their space to accommodate a freezer and are able to offer a choice food pantry. In addition to food, they offer clothing and diapers. Diane and their entire team are very active and willing to learn partners, always asking questions and trying to connect with other resources and agencies in Canyon County.
Boise Basin Senior Center in Idaho City is deeply engaged in serving their community, providing a vital gathering place that offers connections and essential support to neighbors across the region. Through shared meals, wellness activities, community‑building events, and monthly food assistance, the center creates a warm and welcoming environment where residents can stay active, engaged, and supported. Their commitment also extends well beyond daily programming. They also provide transportation to the Boise area which is an invaluable service for neighbors who lack reliable transportation or cannot make the hour‑long trip on their own. Their impact is felt throughout their community.
The Idaho Hispanic Foundation in Nampa came on as a partner of The Idaho Foodbank nearly two years ago and has made a huge difference in the community! IHF is involved in providing resources such as counseling, clothing, workforce development, and more. Elia and Mari also run The Traveling Table, another food distribution effort to reach as many neighbors as possible.
Cascade Food Pantry demonstrates outstanding community leadership and a strong commitment to advocating for their neighbors and addressing food insecurity. They’ve built a powerful support network in their rural area – collaborating with local organizations, obtaining and sharing resources and sustaining an enthusiastic volunteer base. Their Community Garden allows residents to rent raised beds and grow what they choose, creating connection and opportunity in an area where deer make home gardening difficult. Their impact also reaches the remote town of Yellow Pine which is two hours away. They are able deliver food directly to residents with different partnership to help those who cannot travel, ensuring safe, reliable food access. They also work closely with other partner agencies across the county so that they can share the wealth. They are well‑known throughout the region for their dedication, collaboration, and constant pursuit of new opportunities to uplift their community.
Care House Partnerships is a community cornerstone of Nampa and beyond. They have a large distribution center with a food pantry and feeding site. CHP is able to offer other services such as dental and medical services, and counseling services. CHP is well connected with other agencies and neighbors in their community. Other partner agencies outside of Canyon County have mentioned their awareness of Care House Partnerships and their work in the community.
HUB 365 in Boise goes above and beyond for their neighbors in the Treasure Valley. They created a space that provides a positive impact on the community by providing essential resources and support. Entirely volunteer‑run, they provide food assistance, education, skill‑building programs, and community support that empowers individuals to thrive. They partner with the Ada County School District to offer free summer sack lunches, operate a thrift store, and host healthy cooking classes, crafting workshops, and blood drives. Each year, they also collaborate with Love Heals to bring free medical, dental, and vision care to the community. Their dedication and commitment have made HUB 365 a cornerstone of support, connection, and opportunity for the neighbors that they serve.
