MERIDIAN, Idaho — The season of giving is underway and there are several ways you can get involved in to help the Idaho Foodbank make sure Idahoans in need are fed year-round.
The ‘Hope for the Holidays’ campaign is made up of a handful of events collecting goods and monetary donations that help keep the shelves stocked after the holidays and into the new year.
Idaho Foodbank President and CEO Randy Ford said every penny helps.
"$5 provides food for up to 15 meals. That funding that we raise across this time of year, when awareness is mostly the highest, we are able to then fund across the year with the food purchases as well as the donated food that we get this time of year as well," Ford said.
Current events include:
- Stomp Out Hunger is a partnership with Stinker stores where customers can donate when they buy gas or goods.
- Empty Bowls is a virtual fundraising event where handcrafted bowls are available for purchase through the Idaho Foodbank.
- A $5 donation at Idaho Pizza Company gives customers a chance to win pizza for a year.
- Albertsons customers can buy holiday bucks with their groceries through the Feed Joy event running until Christmas.
All money raised through these events helps the Idaho Foodbank continue to meet the needs of Idahoans.
"That's the purpose of our fundraising campaign and our food and funding campaigns, is to make sure we can continue to meet that elevated need. Of course, we're always trying to distribute more and keep that fresh food and produce distributed across the state year-round," said Ford.
Another way to get involved is to donate time.
Ford said each of the Foodbank's 3 regional sites have multiple volunteer shifts for individuals and groups.
For more information on the ‘Hope for the Holidays’ campaign, where you can donate or to volunteer check out the Idaho Foodbank’s website.
If you are in need of assistance from the Foodbank check this link out.