MERIDIAN, Idaho — The Idaho Foodbank will have more room to solve the problem of hunger in our state. For decades, the need to take care of vulnerable Idaho families has been increasing.
A few years ago, the organization began exploring options to expand its operations. Thanks to a $700,000 grant from the MJ Murdock Charitable Trust, the food bank is able to purchase a large warehouse in Meridian.
The new facility is four times larger than the old warehouse and will serve as the statewide distribution site.
"Thanks very much to the Murdock Challenge Grant that was recently introduced, where they challenged us with a gift and said if we could match it two to one, they would offer $700,000 towards this building, and that's going to get us really close to being able to close out this campaign," said Karen Vauk, President and CEO of the Idaho Foodbank.
To give you an idea of how large the demand is, prior to the pandemic, one in nine individuals were facing food insecurity. Now that demand is one in six, and one in four of Idaho's children.
The new facility includes a 10,000 square foot refrigerator for expanded storage and access to perishable fruits and veggies.
