Food Insecurity

The Idaho Foodbank is facing unprecedented demand due to widespread layoffs and uncertainty amidst coronavirus. Through a recent grant provided by Chobani, the Idaho Foodbank purchased a new refrigerated food truck specifically to serve South Central Idaho. 

Blaine County’s Hunger Coalition is set to purchase a new building across the street from its Bellevue location that will triple the size of its current space.

As college tuition continues to climb, students across the country struggle to pay for things like tuition, housing and food.

This Friday, the College of Western Idaho is hosting a farm to fork dinner to raise money for their campus garden. The garden is a response to many things, including students who don’t have access to fresh produce due to financial hardship. Andrea Schumaker of CWI's Physical and Agriculture Science Department joins Idaho Matters to talk about the Sept. 13 Farm to Fork dinner fundraiser to support the garden.

St. Luke's is partnering with the Hunger Coalition to alleviate instances of food poverty in the Wood River Valley. Idaho Matters talks with Erin Pfaeffle, director of community engagement with St. Luke's and Jeanne Liston, executive director of the Hunger Coalition about these efforts. 

Although the Wood River Valley is known for its low unemployment and booming tourist economy, many residents suffer from food insecurity. Housing costs are high, employment is seasonal and groceries are expensive. On Thursday's Idaho Matters, we look at regional economies that are bucking national trends.

The holidays are a time for gathering around food. For many in the Treasure Valley, the source of their next meal is a mystery. We talk with the Idaho Foodbank about alleviating some of that insecurity around the holidays.

After two grocery stores closed in Nampa in 2016, it created a food desert for residents who used to walk to the markets. Fresh fruits, vegetables and unprocessed foods have since become virtually inaccessible for people without reliable transportation.