As interest in local foods continues to soar, there is an ever-growing need for community-driven initiatives that can support local food producers, expand infrastructure, and create job opportunities. Jeff Emerick, a native of Blaine County, Idaho, left the area for a short time before returning to take a job at the Ketchum Fire Department. Nathan Harvill, executive director of the Blaine County Housing Authority, has observed that wages have remained stagnant while housing prices continue to climb. In September, Mayor Ned Burns swore in the new city council member, Jennifer Rangel Muniz. The Coalition Against Hunger is a non-profit organization that works to address food insecurity in Blaine County.
This county has the highest median income in Idaho but also the highest level of inequality according to the Economic Policy Institute. Young volunteers have been helping to distribute food from The Hunger Coalition to Hope for the Hungry's Shoshone food pantry in Bellevue. The Coalition Against Hunger created a report on COVID-19 stating that 25% of all jobs in Blaine are dedicated to leisure and hospitality. Jeff Emerick has since recovered and found two jobs: one as a member of the board of directors of the Coalition Against Hunger and the other at the Blaine County elections office. His story is an example of how local initiatives can help create job opportunities and support economic growth in Blaine County. The Blaine County Food Council is an organization that works to promote local food production and consumption.
It was founded in 2017 with the goal of creating a sustainable local food system that would benefit both farmers and consumers. The Council works with local farmers, businesses, and organizations to develop strategies for increasing access to healthy foods and creating jobs. The Council also works with local governments to create policies that support local food production and consumption. The Council has had a positive impact on the local economy by creating jobs and supporting small businesses. It has also helped increase access to healthy foods by providing resources for farmers and connecting them with consumers.
Additionally, it has helped reduce food insecurity by providing resources for those in need. Finally, it has helped create a more equitable food system by advocating for policies that support small farmers and promote access to healthy foods. The Blaine County Food Council is an example of how local initiatives can help create job opportunities and support economic growth in rural areas. By working with local farmers, businesses, and organizations, it has been able to create jobs, increase access to healthy foods, reduce food insecurity, and create a more equitable food system. It is an example of how community-driven initiatives can have a positive impact on local economies.
