More people relying on Idaho food banks
Saturday, December 5, 2009 9:38 PM PST
LEWISTON (AP) — Managers of food banks in northern and southeastern Idaho say supplies are being stretched during the holiday season due to increasing demand.
‘‘The need is definitely up from last year,’’ said Connie Granbois, manager of Community Action Partnership Food Bank in Lewiston. ‘‘This year we are seeing new people every day.’’
She said that last month the food bank distributed 990 turkeys, gave out 544 food boxes and served more than 2,700 households through the perishable food program.
The food bank relies on donations.
‘‘I just want to thank everybody for supporting the food bank,’’ she said. She said the food bank can always use breakfast items, canned food, baby items and pet food. She said professionally processed venison is also accepted. Monetary contributions also can be made, she said. The Idaho Falls Community Food Bank in southeastern Idaho has seen a 30 percent increase in people coming to get food compared to November of last year, said Buck Horton, the food bank’s chairman.
‘‘Last year it was the gas prices, this year it’s the economy,’’ he said.
But donations have been able to keep pace so far.
‘‘We have a very benevolent community,’’ Horton said. ‘‘We have been so blessed with what we have that we can help those who are a little bit more needy.’’
The food bank is serving more children and larger families this season, he said.
‘‘It scares me how many hungry people are out there,’’ said Kittie Sieh, a food bank volunteer. ‘‘The numbers are astounding.’’
