Idaho Foodbank Warehouse

One in nine Idahoans struggles with hunger

Food is distributed though our facilities in Meridian, Pocatello and Lewiston to more than 400 community partners across the state. In our last fiscal year we distributed 30 million pounds (the most ever in our history) of perishable and nonperishable food – helping to provide over 25 million meals to Idaho families, children and individuals. 

Programs that make a difference

In addition to food distribution, we support various hunger-relief and educational programs that promote healthy families and communities.

Backpack – Qualifying elementary-age children receive a backpack full of child-friendly food every Friday during the school year to ensure adequate nutrition through the weekend.

School Pantry – During the school year, families of school-age children have access to nourishing, emergency food in an environment that is both familiar and supportive.

Picnic in the Park – From June to August, five days a week, children in low-income neighborhoods enjoy a nourishing lunch and educational/physical activities provided in local community parks.

Mobile Pantry – Distributes fresh and shelf-stable food on a regularly scheduled basis to under-served (primarily rural) communities in Idaho don't have a local pantry or alternative food program.

Share Our Strength's Cooking Matters – An instructional program for all ages that provides practical nutrition and budgeting information as well as tasty recipes and hands-on cooking lessons.

Getting the food to people in need

We take great pride in the fact that 87 percent of the food we distribute is nutritious. However, for every program we operate and every pound we deliver, much depends on our ability to transport food across the state and keep an increasing supply of donated perishable food properly stored. 

We work to offset many of our expenses through operational efficiencies. Each year, we realize the benefit of thousands of volunteers who contribute their time and resources. Last year, over 17,000 volunteers donated 57,000 hours of time. 

Through operating efficiencies, volunteers, relations and donations from our Grocery Alliance "fresh rescue" program, The Idaho Foodbank works to ensure that 94 percent of all donations goes to programs and services.

"We could change poverty if we wanted to. The Foodbank is one of the best ways to compassionately help others. Everything helps so thanks to those that share."