Our mission is to ensure that no one in Idaho goes hungry. To this end, the Blaine County Food Council (BCFC) works to implement public and private resources across the state to eliminate hunger and provide food security for all Idahoans. The BCFC is coordinated by Amy Mattias and Stacy Whitman of the Local Food Alliance, and encourages communication, coordination, and collaboration among local food system stakeholders through quarterly networking events. The BCFC invites all Blaine County residents to join in their efforts to cultivate a community food system.
Brooke Pace McKenna, the co-executive director of the Coalition Against Hunger, noted that Blaine County is a “county of contrasts” due to its rich population and generous donors who fund the coalition's work. Mia Maldonado, who previously interned at the Idaho Capital Sun through Voces Internship of Idaho, an equity-driven program for Latino youth, has met many Spanish-speaking newcomers who volunteer to prepare community meals and often bring their home-cooked food from Latin America to Blaine County. At the height of the pandemic in Blaine County, the need was so high that the Coalition Against Hunger had never seen before. The coalition works to create space for Blaine County's essential workers, who play a vital role in maintaining the region's ski resorts, restaurants and landscape.
Before COVID-19, the Coalition Against Hunger states that its programs fed nearly 20% of the Blaine County community each year, and data suggests that the number of people in real need in the area is much greater than that figure. Since opening its doors in 2003, the nonprofit organization has become much more than a traditional food bank. It is a space where locals can find a food pantry, heated greenhouses, a kitchen and a communal dining room. After an evaluation of their work, team members were inspired to continue collaborating on issues related to the food system and created the Blaine County Food Council (BCFC).
The Blaine County Food Council is dedicated to eliminating hunger and providing food security for all Idahoans. Through communication, coordination, and collaboration with local food system stakeholders, BCFC works to create a community food system that ensures no one in Idaho goes hungry. The BCFC works with local organizations such as the Coalition Against Hunger and Voces Internship of Idaho to provide resources for those in need. They also host quarterly networking events to bring together local stakeholders and discuss ways to improve access to healthy foods for all Idahoans.
The BCFC is committed to creating a sustainable food system that provides access to healthy foods for all Idahoans. They are working hard to ensure that no one in Blaine County goes hungry by providing resources such as food pantries, heated greenhouses, kitchens and communal dining rooms. The BCFC also encourages communication, coordination and collaboration among local food system stakeholders through their quarterly networking events. The BCFC is dedicated to eliminating hunger and providing food security for all Idahoans.
Through their efforts they are creating a sustainable community food system that ensures no one in Idaho goes hungry. By working with local organizations such as the Coalition Against Hunger and Voces Internship of Idaho they are able to provide resources for those in need while also hosting quarterly networking events to bring together local stakeholders and discuss ways to improve access to healthy foods for all Idahoans.
