Idaho Food Bank combats rising food insecurity

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — The Idaho Food Bank reports that over eight percent of our population experienced food insecurity last year.

The Idaho Food Banks Development Manager John Hess says, "Food insecurityis the lack of access at certain times in the year for the food that you need to help feed yourself or your family."

He says the pandemic increased the number of people using the Food Banks services, which hasn't decreased yet. He says there are many reasons those numbers haven't lowered yet. This time of year can be hard on budgets, Hess saying, "We serve an average of 213,000 Idahoans each month."

Food insecurity can affect all ages, from seniors to children. Hess said, "We've seen the slow, steady rise of seniors using our services throughout the state, and about 48,000 seniors currently use our services on a monthly basis." He continued by sharing they've also seen a rise in children. He says, "Food insecurity with children not only affects them it affects their ability to learn, affects their ability to grow physically, their health outcomes."

The Idaho Food Bank has many programs that help provide for those struggling. One of them is the backpack program. Hess said, "The way the backpack program works is that it is a backpack that children who are suffering from food insecurity can get once a week. It's filled with healthy, nutritious food, and it's kid-friendly foods."

They also educate people through their partners at food pantries around the state. Hess says, "We also distribute a lot of information pamphlets, things like that, about health issues, health agencies, or things, like, you know, scholarship programs."

When talking about success stories, Hess says the decrease in inflation will make a difference. He says, "As inflation starts to drop, the level of food insecurity hopefully will start to drop as well. So in terms of the success story, the economy being improved is certainly helping us."

The Idaho Food Bank says a donation of only five dollars can provide up to fifteen meals for those in need. To get more information on how to donate, clickHERE.

The Idaho Food Bank is happy to help if you need assistance. For more information, clickHERE.

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