Hello!

We are honored to partner with you in the commitment to end childhood hunger in Idaho!

THANK YOU!

The Idaho Foodbank Updates

Annual School Survey

It’s that time again - the Annual School Survey is live! The Idaho Foodbank values the feedback of our school partners and program participants, and the information gathered in our Annual School Survey is critical to making improvements to our children’s nutrition programs. The responses to the school survey help us plan menus for the Backpack Program, identify foods to purchase for School Pantries, and help us make any programming adjustments needed. Please complete the survey by April 1st. The survey is also open to families who have participated in the program. Click here to take the survey now!

You’re Invited - Hunger to Health Conferences

The Hunger to Health Conferences are designed to bring schools, food pantry and meal site coordinators, staff, and volunteers together with the healthcare and social service community to promote community health, food security, and access to food resources. Food pantry-health care partnership activities are critical to positive community health, individual health, and economic outcomes.

Regional Sessions & Topics:

North Central Idaho partners can attend the Forum on April 14th in Lewiston or April 20th in Moscow, from 9am-3pm. Snacks and lunch will be provided. Click here to r egister for The Idaho Foodbank's North Central Conference

Topics include – Hunger to Health education and peer experiences; Healthy Pantry Framework; regional updates; and individual organization reports.

Southwest Idaho partners can attend the Hunger to Health Forum virtually on April 28 from 2:30-4:30 pm. Click here to register for The Idaho Foodbank's Southwest Conference.

Topics include - Increasing food access; the intersection of health & nutrition; as well as choice vs. circumstance.

East Idaho partners will have a Hunger to Health Forum opportunity this summer. More information is coming soon!

School Pantry Product Highlight

Pick Snacks to Fill Nutritional Gaps

The Idaho Foodbank has a plethora of products available for School Pantries to order through Agency Express. This month, we are highlighting a few items that you can order to help families pick nutritious, delicious snacks! Snacking throughout the day is a great way to maintain steady energy, and to fill in for nutritional gaps at meals. A good rule of thumb is to pick two food groups for a healthy snack -- one protein and one good source of fiber.

Snacking Nuts – Nuts are a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats! Look for item number 25PS016 on the shopping list to order snacking nuts. These pair well with fruits and vegetables, like applesauce or fresh produce (both available to School Pantries).

Popcorners – Did you know that popcorn is a whole grain? Whole grains contain belly-filling fiber, as well as vitamins and minerals. Popcorners are a snack that is popped like popcorn and comes in the shape of a triangle chip Look for item number 25PS017 to order Popcorners! Pair with a protein, like peanut butter, for a snack that will keep you full for hours!
Yogurt – Yogurt is an excellent source of bone-building calcium, essential vitamins and minerals, and can be a good source of protein! Yogurt cups make a perfect breakfast on the go, or a filling after school snack. Pair yogurt with a source of fiber, like diced pears in 100% juice (item number 10PS033), for a delicious and filling snack!

School Partner Highlight

Welcome Harwood Elementary School!

The Idaho Foodbank would like to welcome Harwood Elementary to the School Pantry family. Harwood Elementary is located in Rigby, Idaho. The pantry is much needed in this rural community, and food will provide another critical resource for neighbors to utilize. This is just one more step that will enrich the lives of families and students.

Upcoming Education Sessions - Save the Date

Upcoming Education Sessions - held on this Zoom link

How to make the healthy choice the easy choice - March 17th at 12 pm MDT/11 am PDT
Food Safety & Pantry Best Practices – April 5th at 1 pm MDT/12 pm PDT
Ordering/ Reporting in Agency Express – May 2nd at 2 pm MDT/1 pm PDT

If you have ideas on sessions that would be helpful to your organization and team, please let us know by sending an e-mail to Partnerships@IdahoFoodbank.org.

Wellness Corner

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

ACEs are adverse childhood experiences that harm children’s developing brains and lead to changes in how they respond to stress. This stress is damaging their immune systems so profoundly that the effects show up decades later. ACEs cause much of our burden of chronic disease, mental illness, and are at the root of most violence. Many of you report seeing co-morbidity of disease, mental health, and nutrition insecurity at your own distributions. Here are two great resources to learn more about ACEs: The Soil in Which We’re Rooted & Get Your ACE Score. There is a growing emphasis on ACEs within Idaho’s health community, and we look forward to sharing collaborative work to help those most impacted.

Broccoli with Mac & Cheese Reigns Supreme

Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family like cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and cabbage. A one-cup serving of this veggie is chock full of nutrients – vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium to name a few. Broccoli is also an excellent source of fiber, which boasts benefits such as stabilizing blood sugar, supporting heart health and even reducing the risk of some cancers. Click here to visit our nutrition blog to learn more!

Happy to help.

Reach out to us if you have a highlight to share, have questions, or would like to connect with an IFB team member. Email us at: nutrition@idahofoodbank.org.