Albertsons partners with Idaho Foodbank to feed kids

Community members can help feed hungry kids in Idaho while shopping for their own families.

The Albertsons Companies Foundation has chosen the Idaho Foodbank to receive donations from the annual Hunger Is campaign to eradicate childhood hunger.

All donations made at 24 Albertsons stores in Idaho from Sept. 1-30 will be used to provide healthy breakfast foods for children through the backpack and school pantry programs.

“We are grateful to the Albertsons stores for selecting us as their charity partner, to their customers for their generous giving,” Idaho Foodbank President and CEO Karen Vauk said. “Their support is making a meaningful difference in the lives of Idaho’s children.”

The Idaho Foodbank’s backpack program ensures that students who are chronically hungry have access to adequate food over the weekend. Every Friday, each participating child receives a backpack with enough nutritious, easy-to-prepare food for two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners and two snacks.

An extension of the backpack program, The Idaho Foodbank’s school pantries provide families with nonperishable food. During the school year, families and school-aged kids have access to emergency food through pantries set up inside schools — enough to feed a family for three to five days.

“It’s an honor to support the work of The Idaho Foodbank,” Albertsons Companies Intermountain Division President John Colgrove said. “Every day, we learn about organizations that go above and beyond to help people in need. Such selfless dedication makes our communities better places to live and work.”

Patrons can donate to the Hunger Is program during checkout at Albertsons stores Sept. 1-30.

— Kaye Thornbrugh