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.
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.
Boise State University Nursing Students partnered with The Idaho Foodbank to examine innovative ways to address nutritional health. Together the students developed a Food “Farmacy” Onboarding Manual for Idaho health care clinics interested in utilizing what is known as a food-as-medicine approach to address food insecurity with clients.
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.
Independence from Hunger is a hosted event by Grocery Outlet in Lewiston, ID. Every Friday in July, the store will help raise money for the North Central Idaho Foodbank. Volunteers will greet shoppers and ask them to donate or buy a raffle ticket. At point of sale donate $10 and receive a $5 coupon.
