Hello Partners!
Welcome to your monthly source of information from The Idaho Foodbank.
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The Idaho Foodbank Updates
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New IFB President & CEO
Earlier this year Karen Vauk, President & CEO of The Foodbank, announced her plans to retire. Following a national search, and a robust vetting and interview process, the Board of Directors has chosen Randy Ford, The Idaho Foodbank’s current Chief Operating Officer (COO), to succeed Karen as President & CEO. Karen and Randy are ensuring a seamless transition as Randy takes on the role of President & CEO. Randy will assume the position on October 9th, and Karen will serve in an Advisory role until November 3rd.
Randy has served as COO since 2021 and came to The Idaho Foodbank with a significant background in food manufacturing and nearly 20 years of leading organizational business units. He has successfully led teams of diverse professionals, spearheaded strategic initiatives that have driven organizational growth, implemented efficient solutions, and made a positive impact here at The Foodbank for our neighbors and employees.
We are grateful for Karen’s dedication and leadership during her time as President & CEO of The Foodbank. Her efforts will have a long-lasting effect that positively impacts communities and families for years to come.
Our Programs & Partnerships Team is always here to be your point of contact for any needs or questions you have as we all continue to focus on building healthy individuals, families, and communities.
Reminder: Warehouse Closure
Please note that all of The Idaho Foodbank’s warehouses will be closed for an All Staff Meeting on Thursday, September 28th and Friday, September 29th, 2023. If you need help rescheduling your pick-up or delivery, please contact your Idaho Foodbank Representative or email partnerships@idahofoodbank.org.
Please keep in mind that closures may shorten your ordering window. If you have questions about when to place your order, don’t hesitate to reach out for clarification!
IFB Quarterly Resource Box
There are new Quarterly Resource Boxes available on the partner shopping list in Agency Express. These boxes will contain information to connect neighbors with supportive services beyond food assistance. Some of the resources included in this quarterly box will detail programs like Heating and Energy Assistance, 988 Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline, Your Health Idaho, and more.
Reporting
Reminder that “People Served Reports” are due by the 5th of each month. These can be accessed in Agency Express, under the “Report” tab. Failure to submit reports on time could result in not being able to place an order. Please reach out to your Idaho Foodbank representative if you have any questions regarding reporting.
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Benny’s Pantry
Benny’s Pantry, located in the Student Union Building of Idaho State University (ISU), was opened on January 20, 2014, as an initiative of the Student Affairs Department. It was the state of Idaho’s first college or university food pantry. Additional locations were opened on the Idaho Falls campus in 2016 and on the Meridian campus in 2019.
The pantry recognizes that poverty is often a barrier for students who are working to obtain certifications or a college degree. Their mission is to alleviate food insecurity where it may exist and empower the student community to focus on learning and discovery, thereby removing a significant obstacle to learning. The goals of the pantry include creating a food-secure community by offering nutritious food, educating the ISU community about issues related to poverty and hunger, and cultivating a culture of service-minded leadership with the ISU student community.
In addition to food items, pantry visitors can pick up household and hygiene items they may also need. Benny’s accepts donations of baby products, like diapers and baby food, and hygiene items such as shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, and feminine products.
Currently, Benny’s Pantry is open four days a week, Monday through Thursday, with late afternoon to evening hours to accommodate not only students, but staff and faculty who may also be struggling with food insecurity.
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Flu Season
As we move into the autumn and winter months, flu season is upon us. Help keep yourself and those around you safe by getting a flu shot. If interested, you can use this link to help find a flu shot location near you.
Happy Fall!
With the start of Autumn on September 23, different produce items are coming into season! Use this guide from the USDA to see what produce items are coming into season in just a few days. While you can eat food items outside of their season, seasonal produce is higher quality in that it will taste fresher, is more nutritious, and can even be cheaper!
Cooking Recipe
Please enjoy these recipe cards made by our Nutrition Education Specialist, Matea. You can find some of the items on our shopping list. It could help your neighbors figure out what they can make with some of the items that might receive from you.
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National Food Safety Month
During National Food Safety Month, The ServSafe National Restaurant Association is presenting different concepts regarding food safety practices each week. You can download material as well as review any past information that was presented. Some of the material may be beneficial for your organization. You can read more through this link.
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Federal Communication Commision is providing an Affordable Connectivity Program to help ensure households can afford internet for work, school, health care, etc. Through this program, households will receive a discount on their internet and computer/laptop. You can read more about this program here: https://www.fcc.gov/acp.
If you are interested in hosting an information booth about the program at your location, please contact communityhealth@idahofoodbank.org.
New Grant for Students to Train for In-Demand Careers
Idaho LAUNCH is an opportunity for students to "Go On" after high school. The grant program aims to prepare Idaho’s students for Idaho’s workforce needs. It was expanded after a bill passed the Idaho Legislature during the 2023 session and was signed into law by the Governor.
Idaho LAUNCH provides grants for education and training programs for high school graduating seniors, beginning with the Class of 2024. Students may be eligible to receive a one-time opportunity to have 80% of the tuition and fees covered at an eligible institution, up to a maximum amount of $8,000. With approximately 75 million dollars available for Idaho LAUNCH funding, it is possible for this program to offer between 9,000 and 10,000 awards per year!
The application will open October 3rd. You can find more information here: https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/resources/idaho-launch
Farmer’s Markets
Farmer’s Markets season is coming to an end. There is still time to visit a farmer market if you have not done so yet. You can find which ones are still open by using the link below: http://idahopreferred.com/members/?categories=farmers-markets. Printed farmer’s market flyers are also available in the Quarterly Resource Box.
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Charitable Giving Fund
Dates: October 1st to October 31st
The Charitable Giving Fund provided by Sparklight and other providers will be opening up their grant application in October. The companies concentrate grant support in the following priority areas: Education and Digital Literacy; Hunger Relief and Food Insecurity; and Community Development
You can find more information about the grant: https://www.sparklight.com/charitablegiving
Fundraising for Beginners: Development 101
Dates: October 10th, 17th, and 24th
Time: 10:30 am-12:00 pm MST
Location: Zoom (Virtual)
The Idaho Nonprofit Center is hosting a 3-part training series. You will be able to learn some of the basics of the fundraising process.
You can find more information here: https://web.idahononprofits.org/events/Fundraising-for-Beginners-Development-101-3-part-series--504/details
2023 Summit on Hunger and Food Security
Date: Thursday, October 12th, 2023
Time: 8 am-4 pm MST
Location: The Riverside Hotel, Boise, Idaho
This event is a bi-annual summit that gathers food security and hunger advocates from all over the state to come together and learn more about food security and hunger. There is a cost to register for this event and travel may be required, depending on your location.
To learn more, please visit: https://www.idahohunger.org/
There are also scholarships available to those who may need financial assistance to attend the summit. Please find the scholarship application here.
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Your Idaho Foodbank Representative
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- Partners in Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis & Nez Perce Counties
- Partners in Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Bonneville, Butte, Caribou, Clark, Custer, Franklin, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, Oneida, Power, & Teton Counties
- Partners in Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette & Washington Counties
- Partners in Ada, Boise, Elmore, & Valley Counties
- Partners in Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Elmore, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka & Twin Falls Counties
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Future Partner Newsletters
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If you want to see something or be featured in our Partner Newsletter, please let us know by sending us an email to partnerships@idahofoodbank.org.
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