IDAHO — As food insecurity rises across Idaho, both political leaders and community organizations are stepping up to meet the need.
The Idaho Foodbank says half of its more than 400 partner pantries are seeing more people seeking help. To keep up, the nonprofit is spending an additional $200,000 on food purchases, increasing deliveries, adding volunteer shifts, and expanding transportation to move food faster across the state.
WATCH | With Food Need Rising, Democrats Organize Statewide Drive to Help Feed Idaho Families—
That growing need is why Democrats — including state Rep. Steve Berch — are getting the word out about a new statewide food drive.
“At the end of the day, hunger knows no partisanship,” said Berch.
The Idaho Democratic Party says it’s a nonpartisan effort to help feed families ahead of the holidays, "to be able to help people that are truly in need, especially children and those who are vulnerable,” Berch said.
The food drive, running from Nov. 14 to 25, will collect donations across the state, with all items distributed through local food banks and community pantries. Participating organizations include Democratic groups from Ada, Bannock, Blaine, Bonneville, Elmore, Jerome, and Power counties, along with several legislative district committees and the Latah County Young Democrats.
The full list of drop-off locations can be found online starting Nov. 14.
Party Chair Lauren Necochea criticized Republican leaders in a statement, saying the Trump administration’s actions have left thousands of Idahoans without needed support.
“It says everything about Republican priorities that their answer to hunger is punishment,” Necochea said in her statement. "While they turn their backs on working families, Governor Brad Little sits on a $1.7 billion rainy day fund instead of using it to keep kids from going hungry. Idaho families can’t eat excuses. Idaho Democrats aren’t waiting around for them to do the right thing. We’re rolling up our sleeves and making sure families have what they need.”
Democrats also claim Governor Brad Little has a $1.7 billion rainy-day fund that could be used to help prevent hunger. Idaho News 6 reached out to the Governor’s office but did not receive a response by deadline.
