In Idaho, more than 8% of the population are considered food insecure. While that may feel like a small percentage, it equals more than 40,000 children and even more adults. To combat this statistic, the Idaho Foodbank offers various programs, including a mobile food pantry on the fourth Monday of every month at 10 a.m. on the Latah County Fairgrounds.
When people are unable to access nutritious food, it can “negatively affect their health and increase their risk of developing chronic diseases,” according to the Idaho Foodbank.
The mobile pantry program was started to distribute “dry and frozen food to underserved, usually rural, communities,” according to the statement on their website. The mobile pantries create access to food for those who are either in need or have difficulty accessing food assistance. According to a food pantry volunteer, the mobile pantries have made an impact for people in small towns that have limited food options. Mobile food pantries are also attainable for communities that do not have the space or ability to construct a building for food distribution.
For mobile food pantries to work, the Idaho Foodbank loads and transports food in their trucks to take to community volunteers, who then unload and distribute the food to those in need. These food pantries serve 68 communities in 609 mobile distributions over the course of a year, which amounts to an average of 19,873 people served a month, according to their website.
One mobile pantry user said, “[The mobile pantry] is a good resource of anybody that finds it challenging.”
The mobile pantry utilizes the strategy of “keeping it local” to have a greater reach.
The Idaho Foodbank found that people are more willing to accept food assistance and go to these pantries “when they are approached by people they know.” This approach allows individuals to “preserve their dignity” while the program still effectively reaches people.
The Idaho Foodbank continues to support the hunger relief of children, families, individuals and seniors by distributing nutritious food. For more information about their programs and volunteering, visit the Idaho Foodbank’s website.
Rebekah Weaver can be reached at [email protected].