Hello!

Welcome to your bimonthly source of information from The Idaho Foodbank. Please contact us if you have information to share, need to add someone to this distribution list or have other inquiries: Partnerships@IdahoFoodbank.org.

The Idaho Foodbank Updates
Recall – Baby Formula
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Public Health Advisory for certain Similac brand or Elecare powdered infant formulas. More information is available at: FDA Investigation of Cronobacter and Salmonella Complaints: Powdered Infant Formula (February 2022) | FDA. The Idaho Foodbank will halt the acceptance of formula as a donation until the FDA’s investigation is complete. We also recommend that partners distributing formula check the label and follow the recommendations in the FDA Investigation link above.

The FDA is advising consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas if:

the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37; and
the code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and
the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.

Idaho Kind
The entire month of March, The Idaho Foodbank will be encouraging the community to share kindness. Kindness is choosing to do something that helps others, motivated by genuine warm feelings. Researchers have found that people who are kind or regularly engage in acts of kindness tend to have higher well-being. We are encouraging individuals to engage in their communities by giving monetarily and/or doing an act of kindness, such as volunteering or publicly supporting hunger relief and their neighbors. Acts of kindness are not limited to The Foodbank – we want kindness to be felt everywhere.

We hope that you will join us and encourage Idahoans within your community to join the #IdahoKind Challenge by completing and sharing acts of kindness in March and sharing them on social media using #IdahoKind to inspire others. We are grateful for the kindness you share each day and look forward to celebrating and encouraging kindness statewide. To learn more and share stories, please visit: https://idahofoodbank.org/idaho-kind/.

Upcoming Education Sessions - Save the Date

Coming Soon!
If you have ideas on sessions that would be helpful to your organization and team, please let us know by emailing Partnerships@IdahoFoodbank.org.

Nonprofit Updates
Organizational Resources
Your organization has a lot of moving parts. From board development, to succession planning and fundraising, the role of a nonprofit staff or volunteer can feel like a lot. The Idaho Foodbank would like to provide resources to help your organization grow. This month, we would like to highlight the following resources to support your infrastructure and planning:

Idaho Housing and Finance Request for Proposals
The Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) has opened a Request for Proposal (RFP) to address housing instability. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is designed to provide short-term emergency assistance to renters facing financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Using ERAP funds, IHFA provides financial assistance to eligible households including payment of rent, rental arrears and other expenses related to housing incurred due to COVID-19.

IHFA seeks a network of regionally diverse partners to administer the staffing and program delivery of a community-based program to promote and support residents in the State of Idaho who apply for ERAP. Program and eligibility guidelines have been developed by IHFA and RFP respondents are responsible for ensuring program promotion and supporting eligible tenants with in-person case management services. Organizations are eligible to apply to this RFP if they are a nonprofit, public benefit corporation tax exempt public charity. The RFP application deadline is March 11th. Read the full RFP here for details and how to apply.

Partner Highlight
North Fork Mobile Pantry
Marsha Prestwich and her volunteers at the North Fork Mobile Pantry are passionate about feeding their neighbors along the north fork of the Salmon River. Nestled along the Lost Trail Pass on the border with Montana, this community has a strong sense of looking out for each other.

In this frontier community the cost per meal is higher than average in Idaho. The North Fork Mobile Pantry in Lemhi County started more than 10 years ago. This group of regular volunteers meets on the first Thursday of every month to distribute upwards of 4,000 pounds of food – in less than two hours – to those who need a helping hand. This Mobile Pantry now serves 50-70 families every month. This Mobile Pantry and the dedicated group of volunteers that run it have a direct impact on the lives of the families they serve. Like all our partners in Lemhi County, looking out for each other is a priority.

Wellness Corner
Tips for a Healthy Heart
February is American Heart Month, so now is a great time to focus on a heart-healthy diet. Choosing whole grains, eating a variety of fruits and vegetables and reducing sodium is proven to positively impact heart health. Want to learn more about heart health? Check out this awesome article!

There are several heart healthy items on our shopping list. Here is additional information about some of those items and some recipe inspiration:

Brown Rice – Many of the nutrients in brown rice help keep your heart healthy. It's a rich source of dietary fiber, which can reduce your risk of death from heart disease. Brown rice also contains high levels of magnesium, which can help make you less vulnerable to heart disease and stroke. Try this recipe for Easy Korean Ground Beef (also on the shopping list) and brown rice!
Beans – Beans are the only food that can be counted as two different food groups: protein and vegetables. Beans are a great source of belly-filling fiber, meaning they can keep you feeling fuller longer. Beans are also a fantastic protein extender. Next time you make tacos, try subbing half of your meat with cooked beans. Just as delicious, for half the calories, fat, and money! Try substituting beans for turkey in this delicious taco recipe.
Bananas – Potassium in bananas is good for your heart health and blood pressure. A medium-sized banana will provide around 320-400 mg of potassium, which meets about 10% of your daily potassium needs. Potassium helps your body maintain a healthy heart and blood pressure. In addition, bananas are low in sodium. Couple aging bananas with the All-Purpose Baking Mix on our shopping list to create banana muffins!

Happy to help.

Reach out to us if you have a highlight to share, have questions, or would like to connect with a Community Partner team member. Email us at: Partnerships@IdahoFoodbank.org.