BOISE, Idaho — In Idaho, 14.5% of children are food insecure, that's 67,000 children.
In an effort to help keep food-insecure students fed throughout the school year, the Idaho Foodbank announced its back-to-school campaign on Friday, Aug. 26.
The campaign will support the Idaho Foodbank's Backpack meals program, which provides food-insecure students with a backpack filled with food to keep them fed over the weekend. The program identifies those in need and will discreetly place a clear bag with two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners and two snacks into their backpacks.
Idaho Foodbank's Jane McLaughlin told KTVB that keeping children fed is not only important for their health, but for their learning.
“We all know that if kids bellies are full, their minds are working better, they're more rested, they're able to learn and be a good part of our community,” she said.
On Friday, volunteers from the Lumen Quantum Fiber and community members packed backpacks. McLaughlin said programs like the backpack program can't be done without community support.
In 2023, volunteers put in over 70,000 hours and provided over 64,000 bags to 165 schools thought the gem state, according to the Idaho Foodbank.
While Mclaughlin said feeding students is essential, they are not the only ones who can be hungry in families. The back-to-school campaign will also support the school's food pantry program, which provides free food to students and families.
Anyone in a student's family can walk in and grab what they need, McLaughlin said.
For more information on how to support the Idaho Foodbank's campaign, visit their website here.