The Hunger Coalition

We couldn't do it without you!

2011-08-14T10:34:00.002-06:00

Thank You to all the amazing and dedicated people in our community who have shared their time and energy, made food or other in-kind donations, or honored us with a gift of any size.

In your honor we are hosting the 2nd annual
Harvest of Hope Celebration!

With your support, we are able to offer fresh, healthy food to the most vulnerable members of our community. Without it, who can tell what our hungry, often desperate, local children and adults would do. Blaine County is an exceptionally beautiful and rewarding place to live, if you have a roof over your head and food in your refrigerator.

For those who are at-risk of losing the roof over their heads, there is no homeless shelter. For those who do not have enough to eat, if it were not for The Hunger Coalition, there is little in terms of resources to keep them healthy and nourished.

Being a Volunteer at The Hunger Coalition IS:

Nurturing plants and harvesting fresh produce at The Hope Garden
Sorting and organizing thousands of pounds of food donations at the Food Bank Warehouse
Distributing essential groceries to local families facing hunger at the Mobile Food Bank
Preparing and delivering bags of food weekly during the school year for the Backpack Club.

. . . . . And so Much More!

Being a Volunteer at The Hunger Coalition MEANS:

Children can go to bed with full bellies instead of rumbling hungry ones.
Worried parents and grandparents can breathe a little easier knowing at least their children or grandchildren are getting enough to eat.
A single Dad doesn't have to choose between keeping a roof over his family's head or buying groceries.

YOUR SUPPORT AND GENEROSITY MAKES THIS POSSIBLE!

Are you a Hunger Coalition Volunteer? We invite you to SHARE your experience with us.

Would you like to be a Hunger Coalition Volunteer? Please email us or call us at 788-0121 and learn more!

A Remarkable Opportunity

2011-06-24T09:46:00.019-06:00

Thank you, first and foremost, to everyone at Walmart for contributing so much to the health and well being of our entire state!

It is a great honor to have been selected as one of five Idaho non-profit organizations for the Walmart Foundation's Associate Choice Program. The opportunity to be awarded $100,000 is truly remarkable in that it represents nearly a quarter of our entire budget.

We invite you to imagine what this award could mean . . .

To the families and individuals without enough to eat, without hope, and struggling every day to make ends meet.
To the kids whose lives are unstable and uncertain and who often go to bed with empty bellies and wake up to little or no breakfast.
To the parents who have lost their job, their home, their pride and still cannot pay the bills and keep their family safe.

Now we would like to share a few of the things this award will do:

Put a bag of easy-to-prepare meals and snacks into the hands of hungry kids on the weekends during the school year.

Put fresh, healthy food on the tables of hungry families and individuals.

Feed hungry children free hot meals during the summertime.

Provide hours of computer training, job skill development, and mentoring.

Offer classes and workshops teaching people how to eat better and save money.

And so much more!

We invite you to learn more by visiting www.thehungercoalition.org.

The Walmart Foundation is committed to helping these people by making sure they have wholesome food on their tables. The Hunger Coalition is dedicated to making sure those in need have healthy food to eat and the necessary support services to get them back on their feet.

By participating in the Associate Choice Program, you are showing you care and are willing to do something to help your neighbors in need. Thank You!

We encourage you to reach into your heart and believe that people in need of basic nutrition deserve your vote. I WANT TO VOTE FOR THE HUNGER COALITION!

Whether the money is awarded to The Hunger Coalition or one of the four other worthy, invaluable organizations selected, we are grateful to you, and everyone at Walmart for playing such an important role in the health and happiness of everyone in the State of Idaho.

Together we can make a difference!

Buy A Bowl. Feed A Family.

2011-01-13T09:55:00.011-07:00

Buy A Bowl and Feed A Family.
Simple. All you need is $20 and the desire to make a difference.

Come to the Church of the Big Wood this Sunday from 12 - 2pm.

Pick out an "Empty Bowl"(see photo & description below)

Fill your "Empty Bowl"with fresh salads, tasty soups & chili donated by local restaurants & caterers. Lunch comes with fresh bread, dessert, & beverages.

Enjoy your lunch! Visit with Friends! Make A Difference!

Did you know: Every $20 "Empty Bowl"puts wholesome, necessary, welcome food on the tables of local families and individuals who are struggling with bills and cannot afford groceries.

Did you know: By simply buying an "Empty Bowl", you will help to ensure kids across the Wood River Valley are going to bed with full bellies and Mom & Dads are coping a little better.

Did you know: $20 is the equivalent of 4 fancy coffee drinks, two tickets to the movies and a popcorn, or an extra large pizza.

Did you know: With $20 The Hunger Coalition can offer enough food for a single parent with 2 children to eat more than one dozen nourishing, welcome meals.

Buy A Bowl. Eat Lunch. Feed the Hungry. It doesn't get any simpler than this.

What is an "Empty Bowl": One of 200 beautiful, unique works of art created by professional, amateur and student artisans from around the community at Boulder Mountain Clayworks specifically for this event.

Call The Hunger Coalition 788-0121 for details
Visit www.thehungercoalition.org for more information.

Share The Joy

2010-12-15T09:45:00.006-07:00

Share The Joy!

This Holiday Season, give something more meaningful or powerful than anything that can fit into a box and tied up with a pretty bow . . .

Join local businesses, schools, churches, and families in their efforts to make giving a little easier, and a lot more meaningful, this year:

Albertson's Market ~ The Giving Tree. Select an ornament from The Giving Tree and present it to the cashier at check out. Your purchase makes a donation equal to a 64 oz. bottle of apple juice. Proceeds go towards the purchase of wholesome food for the hungry in our community.

Wood River Middle School ~ Blue Team Bowl Sale. Seventh Grade students at WRMS will be selling hand painted ceramic bowls at a special Art Walk on Friday December 17th from 8:30 - 10am. All proceeds benefit The Hunger Coalition. Suggested minimum purchase price is $15. GO WOLVERINES!

Hailey Yoga ~ Winter Sun Solstice Celebration. Tener Rogers invites you to a Magical Yoga and Live Music Experience on Sunday, December 19th from 5 - 7 pm. Celebrate the return of the sun and your own brilliant inner light while giving hope, and wholesome food, to families trying hard to make ends meet this holiday season.

Food Drives ~ Donate Non-Perishable Food. Food donations are an essential part of providing wholesome food to the families in our community facing hunger. You can make a huge difference in the health and well being of children and their parents during challenging times, times when they most need good nutrition.

Look for Yellow Collection Bins or Food Donation Boxes
at the following locations this holiday season: The Community School, Wood River YMCA, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, Power Engineers, and Wood River Fire & Rescue.

We invite you to Share The Joy this holiday season ~ Give.

Learn more about our Share the Joy Campaign and make a difference in the lives of others.

Holiday Fun with a Cause

2010-11-23T10:02:00.002-07:00

Join Deborah Moon of Silpada Jewelry Designs and Lindy Stark of The BrickHouse
for a special evening

Tuesday, November 23rd from 5:30 - 8pm
The BrickHouse in Bellevue

Happy hour prices through 8pm, special appetizers, and beautiful sterling silver jewelry!

Proceeds benefit The Hunger Coalition

Do a little Christmas shopping, enjoy a special evening with friends and raise vital funds for the local individuals and families needing a little help this Holiday season. For more information, please contact Deborah Moon at 721-1686.

Speaking Out and About The Hungry

2010-11-15T13:22:00.003-07:00

The Hunger Project is shedding some interesting light on what it means to be hungry in Blaine County.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

Wednesday November 17th from 6 -7 pm

at The Light on the Mountains Spiritual Center

Local individuals and families participating in The Hunger Project will personally tell their stories, relate their experiences, and help us all to understand what a person must endure when they are in need of help here in our community.

Staff and Volunteers from The Hunger Coalition will be present to answer questions and address issues related to hunger and the provision of food assistance.

If you really care about this community, and the people in it. You should be there too.

The Hunger Project Public Forum
12446 Hwy 75, just north of the Sawtooth Botanical Garden
Wed., Nov.17 6 - 7pm

Would You Become A Client?

2010-11-05T10:56:00.003-06:00

During the month of October, local families and individuals voluntarily became clients.

Why?

Is it just to feel hungry? No
Is it about understanding the need? Yes.
Is it about learning what it's like to ration your food? Yes.

It is the realization that not everyone has the ability to walk into the grocery store and buy what they need to feed their children and themselves.

THE HUNGER PROJECT

Brought to you by The Hunger Coalition

Read about the intense personal experiences from local families and individuals as they step into the shoes of those in our community who are facing hunger, need to ask for help, and see what it is like to live quite close tot he edge, for an entire week.

Comment, ask questions, and engage participants in discussion at

The Hunger Project Public Forum

Wednesday, November 17th
6 - 7 pm
The Light on the Mountains Spiritual Center
click here for map

WATCH for a special feature article about THE HUNGER PROJECT brought to you by writer/participant Dana Plasse in the November 17 issue of the Idaho Mountain Express

Thank You Blaine County!

2010-10-27T11:25:00.004-06:00

We would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the community members and restaurants who joined in our third annual Dine Out Blaine County!

You may not realize the real impact a single gift can make in the lives of local families facing hunger, unable to make ends meet, and trying to keep their children healthy and fed.

With the support of these dedicated and generous local restaurants, we can put wholesome food on the tables for families in need:

Big Belly Deli, The BrickHouse, The Cellar Pub, CK's Real Food, Cristina's, da Vinci's, Desperado's, Four Peaks, Fresshies, Globus, Il Naso, KB's Burritos, Lago Azul, Lefty's, Mahoney's, Powerhouse, Rasberry's, Rickshaw, Rico's Pizza & Pasta, The Roosevelt, The Sawtooth Club, Taqueria al Pastor, three-TEN-main, Wiseguy Pizza, Wrap City.

Together We Can Create A Whole & Healthy Community!

Have You Made Plans Yet?

2010-10-21T12:42:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow is Dine Out Blaine County!

Call some friends, pick a restaurant, and do something good for local restaurants
and the people in our community facing hunger.

You have 28 restaurants to choose from - and every single one is committed to addressing the issue of hunger right here in Blaine County.
You are helping people in need simply by going out for lunch or dinner.
You can contribute more if you want - there are donation opportunities available.

Wouldn't it feel really good to know that you are doing something wonderful simply by eating out tomorrow? Wouldn't you like to feel as though you are contributing to the health and well being of our entire community?

You can.
We all can.

Together we can make a difference.

Together We Can Create A Whole and Healthy Community!

Visit one of the following amazing restaurants tomorrow and support your neighbors in need:

Four Peaks, Cristina's, Desperado's, Big Belly Deli, Lago Azul, The BrickHouse, Rico's, Wiseguy Pizza, three-TEN-main, Mahoney's, Rasberry's, Globus, Taqueria al Pastor, CK's Real Food, Rickshaw, Il Naso, Lefty's, Wrap City, The Sawtooth Club, Sushi on Second, Powerhouse, The Roosevelt, The Cellar Pub, Sun Valley Brewery, da Vinci's, Ketchum Grill and KB's.

The Power of a Fast

2010-10-17T16:22:00.004-06:00

This Thursday, The Hunger Coalition invites you to join in Fast for Hunger, a one day event aimed at personally and directly connecting people throughout our community with the concept of hunger.

Are you willing to skip a meal or not eat for entire day so you can actually KNOW what it feels like to be hungry? Some of us are.

We want to believe that children, parents, aunts and grandfathers in our community do have enough to eat everyday and do not go to bed without having had a meal since morning, or maybe yesterday morning. But we know better.

This is the reality: There are hundreds of people right here in our community who cope with being hungry a lot.

The Hunger Coalition knows that just one person's understanding and empathy can become a voice and that voice can speak out on their behalf to the rest of the community and raise awareness and funds. And make a difference.

Will you be that ONE person this year?

If you think so,

Will you tell us about your experience?

Do you promise to share with your friends and family and colleagues?

Can you speak out on someone else's behalf?

Fast for Hunger. Thursday, October 21st.

Whether it's a meal or a day, you will be empowered by your new knowledge and understanding and it just might make a big difference in your life, too.

What do YOU think about Hunger in Blaine County?

2010-10-05T04:54:00.004-06:00

Before we begin, here are a few things you should know:

Idaho ranks as the 24th hungriest state in the US?
More than 250 local individuals and families need food assistance every week.
39% of our students qualify for reduced cost or free meals at school.
A family of four needs to earn around $62,500 to make a living wage.

So, Blaine County, we want to know what you think about hunger in our community.

October is Hunger Awareness Month across the entire state of Idaho. Here in Blaine County we are working to bring you more information and insight as to the reality of hunger in our neighborhoods. For many, there is a daily struggle regarding what bills to pay and what groceries to buy. There is never ending stress and worry over whether or not there is enough to pay the rent, the car payment, the medical bills.

What are YOU worried about?
What do YOU think we can do to help our neighbors in need?
Who do you know that may be struggling but is too proud or embarrassed to ask for help?
Are you sure you really know the worries and problems facing your friends and neighbors?

Please join the conversation as we spend the month of October sharing stories about real situations, real concerns, and we look for real solutions.

Together We Can Create A Whole & Healthy Community!
It is going to take our commitment to each other and our dedication to a vibrant economy and lifestyle. It is going to take people like you, and everyone at The Hunger Coalition - our 2 full time and 5 part-time staff, 150 active volunteers, and hundreds of caring, thoughtful and generous donors.

Congratulations Blaine County!

2010-09-19T19:24:00.002-06:00

You made our first annual Harvest of Hope Celebration a tremendous success . . .

THANK YOU!

We are fortunate to have people like you sharing our vision of a healthy, vibrant community. It was a genuine pleasure to spend the evening with you at The Hope Garden.

Special Thanks to: All Nite Diner, 5BBQ, Big Belly Deli, Bigwood Bread, Bliss River Orchard, Brooke Bonner, Dana Denney, Esta, Fair Mountain Farms, Food Services of America, Full Moon Catering, Hailey Fire Department, Lava Lake Lamb, Lorna's Catering, M & M Heath Farms, S & C Importers, and Sayvour for the fabulous food, great entertainment, and tasty beer & wine!

And PLEASE KNOW HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE OUR our amazing Volunteers and Board Members for their support in making this event such a tremendous success.

We will post photos of the event on our website at: www.thehungercoalition.org and have aPhoto Album on Facebook shortly. Check them out!

Today Is The Day!

2010-09-18T08:23:00.002-06:00

See You at The Hope Garden!
Today from 4 - 7 pm
At the corner of Walnut Street & 1st Avenue in downtown Hailey

Bring the family (but please, no dogs)
and Make A Difference In Your Community!

Help Support The Hunger Coalition

Live Music by All Nite Diner

Freshly Foods & Dishes from 5BBQ, Big Belly Deli, Bigwood Bread, Bliss River Orchard, Brooke Bonner, Dana Denney, Esta, Fair Mountain Farms, Food Services of America, Full Moon Cateriing, , Hailey Fire Department, Lava Lake Lamb, Lorna's Catering, M & M Heath Farms, and Sayvour

Beer & Wine Bar provided by Deschutes Brewery, Hayden Beverage and S & C Importers

Family Activities including a Zucchini Ring Toss, Apple Tasting, and more!

Donations Opportunities in support of The Hunger Coalition.
From $25 Shovel Gift to a $500 Bounty Basket or Viewing Bench. Every gift, no matter how small or large, makes a real difference in bringing wholesome nutrition and much needed hope to the local individuals and families in our community facing hunger.

See you Saturday!

2010-09-16T11:36:00.003-06:00

It's the First Annual Harvest of Hope Celebration!

Saturday, September 18th
at The Hope Garden in downtown Hailey
4 - 7 pm

Food, Fun and Free Entertainment
Freshly prepared foods from local chefs
No host beer & wine bar

Enjoy an afternoon with family and friends listening to the music of All Nite Diner
while tasting apples, playing zucchini ring toss, and snacking on tasty treats,
all while supporting The Hunger Coalition!

Come Join Us ~

Special Monthly Food Distribution

2010-09-15T10:03:00.002-06:00

The Hunger Coalition is pleased to announce a special monthly Food Distribution,
beginning Wednesday October 6th.

From 5 - 6 pm on the first Wednesday of the month, clients will be able to pick up their groceries at The Hunger Coalition Food Bank Warehouse. Only Staff members will be on hand to oversee the food distribution. Clients must have a valid Food Card, and are asked to please bring their own bags to carry their groceries home.

Special Monthly Food Distribution

Dates: October 6, November 3, December 1
Time: 5 - 6pm
Where: 121 Honeysuckle Street

For more information, please call The Hunger Coalition at 788-0121.

Time to Celebrate . . . and Donate!

2010-09-07T10:33:00.003-06:00

The First Annual Harvest of Hope Celebration!

Saturday, September 18th

4 - 7pm at The Hope Garden

Free entertainment and fun family activities
Sample freshly prepared foods from local chefs in support of The Hunger Coalition
Unique donation opportunities
Explore The Hope Garden

Located at Walnut St and 1st Avenue in downtown Hailey, The Hope Garden offers empowerment opportunities for clients, volunteer opportunities for community members and provides fresh, locally grown produce for our Mobile Food Bank

For more information, please visit: http://www.thehungercoalition.or/wh_current_events.html

Help Wanted

2010-09-01T09:56:00.004-06:00

HELP WANTED: You are one of The Hunger Coalition's greatest assets. By giving a little of your time you can make sure others in our community have enough to eat and can put their kids to bed with full bellies.

We Have Volunteer Openings:

Mondays alternating weekly 9 - 10 am or 1 - 2 pm
Tuesdays 1 - 2 pm
Thursdays 1 -2 pm

Just one hour a week ~ Find out how good it feels to make a difference!

PLEASE CALL Naomi Spence at 788-0121 x. 303
or email nspence@thehungercoalition.org

For More Information: http://www.thehungercoalition.org/gi_volunteer.html

We Can End This!

2010-08-25T09:18:00.003-06:00

The Idaho Foodbank is receiving 155,000 meals on Thursday
in Boise through the "We Can Do This" campaign.

Owing to the remarkable participation of Idaho's community members,
this incredible donation will go to feed hungry individuals and families throughout the state.

Together we can make a difference!

Learn more by visiting: www.wecanendthis.com

Follow The Hunger Rally Page on Facebook!

The Hunger Coalition values our partnership with The Idaho Foodbank and commends them on this wonderful donation. To learn more about the ways we are working together to address hunger in Blaine County, please visit our Partners page on our website.

Save The Date

2010-08-10T11:22:00.002-06:00

Our first annual

Harvest for Hope Celebration

Saturday, September 18th
4 - 7 pm

The Hope Garden

Live Music ~ Fresh Foods ~ Family Activities

This is a community event supporting The Hunger Coalition. More information to follow.

Grocery Store Pick Up People Needed!

2010-08-02T11:14:00.002-06:00

There are boxes of fresh fruits, vegetables, bread and more sitting at local grocery stores waiting to be distributed to the hungry in our community through our Mobile Food Bank.

We just need to get it to the Food Bank on time.

Do you have a spare hour or two once a week?
Do you drive from Ketchum or Hailey to Bellevue once a week?
Do you want to put fresh wholesome food on the tables of people facing hunger?

Join Our Grocery Store Pick-up Team!

Please call Naomi at 788-0121 x. 303.

See what you can do to help bring these valuable fresh foods to The Hunger Coalition so everyone in Blaine County can have enough to eat.

You can make a difference in the lives of others!

You can also reach Naomi by email at: nspence@thehungercoalition.org

It's Harvest Time at The Hope Garden!

2010-07-24T08:33:00.003-06:00

Get Involved . . . and get a little dirty!

JULY WORK PARTY SCHEDULE:

Planting & General Maintenance ~ Tuesdays 5 - 8 pm
Harvesting ~ Wednesdays 3 - 6 pm
Harvesting ~ Sunday 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Help us get out beautiful veggies & herbs to the hungry in our community! We are harvesting & cleaning fresh produce as well as planting new crops for fall harvest. Come join the fun at The Hope Garden! Call Hallie at 788-0121 x. 311 for more details.

The Hope Garden is located at the corner of 1st Ave & Walnut St next to the Old Blaine County Courthouse.

It's a Learning Experience, a Cultural Exchange and a Working Gathering!

2010-07-22T10:43:00.004-06:00

Introducing "Language in the Garden"

Mondays at The Hope Garden 5 - 6 pm

Beginning August 5th, The Hunger Coalition will host "Language in the Garden" a new program for English & Spanish speaking individuals looking to improve their language skills while contributing to The Hope Garden.

Participants will alternate languages during the one hour session while working side-by-side in the garden. Each session will focus on a specific theme, allowing participants to immerse themselves fully in the linguistic and cultural aspects of the subject.

To learn more, visit The Hope garden page to read about Language in the Garden,

or contact Lorena Horne

Phone: 788-0121 x. 304 Email: lhorne@thehungercoalition.org

Participants are asked to fill out a brief questionnaire.

To download in English, Click Here. For Spanish, Click Here.

Don't Miss Out on The Most Important Meal of the Day!

2010-07-13T11:05:00.005-06:00

Free Hot Breakfast Starts Monday July 19th

The Lunch Connection at Woodside Elementary School
adds breakfast to the menu weekdays from 7:30 - 8:30 am.

Free to children under the age of 18.
Available for purchase by accompanying adults for $1.75.

Hot, free breakfast is only available until August 13.

Growing minds and bodies need healthy nutritious food to stay strong!

The Lunch Connection continues to serve free lunch weekdays between 11:00 am - 12 noon to children under the age of 18. Meals are also available for purchase for adults.

For more information, visit: http://thehungercoalition.org/op_summer_food_program.html
or call The Hunger Coalition at 788-0121

Welcoming The Hope Garden to Hailey

2010-06-22T10:07:00.002-06:00

It's Official!

Join us for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony:

The Hope Garden

Thursday, June 24th

4:30 - 6:30 pm

Representatives from the City of Hailey & Blaine County Commissioners in attendance and live music with Julie & Julia

Take a tour of the garden beds, meet volunteers and staff, and learn more about this amazing community asset!

See you at the corner of Walnut and 1st Ave!

Summer Solstice Celebration!

2010-06-17T08:52:00.002-06:00

We are celebrating at The Hope Garden this Saturday!

There are fabulous garden beds planted with broccoli, radishes, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, and more. With our remarkable team of clients and volunteers, we have accomplished a tremendous amount in the last few weeks and want to share it with all of you!

Please stop by - lend a hand, if you can! Or take a moment to congratulate and thank all those who have been working so hard to make The Hope Garden a beautiful, productive community asset for all to enjoy!

The place to be on Saturday starting at noon is the corner of Walnut and 1st Ave in Hailey - next to the Old County Courthouse! See you there!

It's A Party . . . All Week Long!

2010-06-14T11:19:00.006-06:00

We're Having A Party! A Working Garden Party!

WHERE: The Hope Garden

DATES: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

WHY: Because we are building an amazing community asset

WHEN: Starting at 6pm . . .stay until it's time to go home

Together with our incredible clients and amazing volunteers we have prepped the Garden Beds, laid the Irrigation, and have planted broccoli, spinach, cabbage, radishes, lettuce, and beets!

Come join the fun as we continue to make The Hope Garden a beautiful, productive vegetable garden & park for ALL to enjoy!

Good Food and Good Fun

2010-06-07T11:02:00.003-06:00

June 14th kicks off another summer of The Lunch Connection!

Woodside Elementary School is the place to be.

Free lunch weekdays between 11 am - 12 noon.

Open to ALL kids ages 0 - 18.

Adults with children may purchase a meal for themselves.

Mountain Rides Bus Stops at school entrance.

General Schedule:

June 14 - Aug 20 Free Lunch 11 am - 12 noon
July 19 - August 13 Free Hot Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 am
July 14 - July 16 Free Activities Tues. & Thurs. 11 am - 1 pm

Check out details and specific schedules for The Lunch Connection at:

http://thehungercoalition.org/Default.aspx?ContentId=4

It's "GO" Time at The Hope Garden

2010-06-02T08:58:00.003-06:00

The moment you all have been waiting for . . .

Time to get digging and get dirty at The Hope Garden!

The fun begins this Sunday, June 6th at 10 in the morning. Bring your shovels and wheelbarrows, garden gloves and hat (or slicker and wellies, if this rain keeps up).

Sunday's Project: Lay The Garden Pathways

An integral part of The Hope Garden design, the meandering crushed granite pathways offer access to the various demonstration garden beds and lend the Garden a park-like atmosphere.

We'll provide the snacks, but please bring your own water bottle.

Please call Hallie at 788-0121 x.311 if you have any questions or thoughts to share!

And Blaine County, let's "HOPE" for sunshine to get our Hope Garden growing!

Idaho's Hometown Community Bank Takes Care of it's Community!

2010-06-01T09:36:00.002-06:00

DL Evans Bank generously contributed $1,000 to The Hunger Coalition!

With their generous gift, the people at DL Evans are bringing wholesome food to people right here in our own community who are experiencing hunger. On behalf of the individuals and families in our community who will breathe a sigh of relief at knowing they can feed themselves and their families a little longer, until things get better - Thank You!

If you think about the fact we can stretch $10 into $100 worth of food, just imagine how many healthy meals this can become - and how many people will feel more hopeful about their future.

You are an inspiration, DL Evans Bank.

We are grateful to have you on our team as we strive to end hunger in Blaine County.

Hope Is On Its Way!

2010-05-27T09:47:00.002-06:00

Announcing The Hunger Coalition Work Party Dates

Join us as we transform the empty corner lot at Walnut and 1st Ave in Hailey

into an inviting collection of garden beds and pathways!

We are looking forward to hearing from you or see you there - Please call Hallie at

788-0121 x.311 to RSVP or learn more.

Sunday, June 6 - Laying Pathways:
The fun begins at 10am and will go on all day. Bring a water
bottle and a sack lunch. We will have snacks to share. Don’t
forget your rake, shovel or wheelbarrow!

Thursday, June 10 - Prepping Garden Beds:
Release a little stress after a long day. Join us from 6 - 9 pm
and don’t forget some water and any tools you have to share. We’ll bring the snacks!

Saturday, June 12 - Finishing Touches & Clean Up:
We’re starting at 9 am and are excited to see a finished product
before the sun goes down—water, a sack lunch, and other tools
would be very helpful! Snacks provided.

Saturday, June 19 - Summer Solstice Planting Celebration:
If you have starts or seeds to share, please call Hallie in advance. Plan on the big, dirty party to start at 12 noon —tools always
welcome and don’t forget your water. We’ll bring snacks!

Thursday, June 24 - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony:
Join us at 5pm as we welcome this amazing community asset
and celebrate the occasion with city & county officials!

Help us to define the future of Blaine County as a community of healthy, empowered individuals and families living in a vibrant, sustainable economy!

As our Garden Grows, so do our Needs

2010-05-19T12:41:00.005-06:00

We are breaking ground, but have very little to actually rake, shovel, or dig with . . .

Please take a moment to review our Garden Wish List and see of there is anything you could donate. Tax advantages apply to in-kind, non-monetary donations,too!

GARDEN WISH LIST:

PLEASE, call Hallie at 788-0121, ext. 311 if you can donate any of these items!

Freestanding shed

spades, dandelion pickers & other small hand-tools

four wheeled garden cart/wagon

handshears (short handled)

scissors

various hoes (diamond, loop, circle & classic)

large plastic harvesting containers (bins, buckets)

large flat basket/woven plate for herb harvest

5 gallon bucket

lengths of hose

large stainless steel gardening/culinary sink

galvanized steel mesh gardening table

mountable 1st aid kit (for the outside of the shed in case folks are locked out of it)

gardening, composting, and soil books (it would be great to build a little library to loan to folks and use ourselves!)

"field knife" (hand machete) for squash & melon harvest

Earthway Vegetable Bed Seeder

free-standing bench swing

large planter boxes &/or 1/2 wine barrel planters

5 gallon water coolers (2 or 3)

outdoor cork pin-board kiosk

fish emulsion, bone meal, & blood meal fertilizers

rolls of Agri-bond frost cloth

roll of black plastic ground cover

Thank You Blaine County for sharing our vision of a beautiful, inspiring place filled with fresh organic produce for the hungry in our community as well as educational and empowerment opportunities for all!

Naming Contest to End Tuesday an Noon

2010-05-17T12:33:00.002-06:00

Hello Blaine County!

We are almost ready to select a name for our fantastic new Garden & Community Park . . . did you send us your idea? If not, please do so before noon tomorrow.

We are breaking ground, pounding stakes, and preparing for a number of Garden Work Parties in the coming weeks. Updates will be posted on our blog, on our Facebook page, on our website and informational flyers will be distributed throughout town.

Here is the List of Name Submissions: Let us know your favorites!

Sheriff’s Garden & Park
The Hunger Coalition’s Hope Garden & Community Park
Growing Hope Garden & Community Park
Belliful Garden
Hailey Community Garden
Walnut Street Commnunity Garden
Feed the Green
Hailey Greenscape
Gathering Hope Garden & Community Park
The Giving Patch
The Hope Garden (2)
The Community Food Park
The Food Park
The Blaine County Food Park
Courthouse Gardens
Courthouse Commons
Courthouse Community park
Friendship Park
The Garden Park
Hailey Garden Park
Hunger Garden Park
Commons Garden Park
Community Commons Garden Park
Growing Community Hope
Growing Community Life
Growing Unity
Learning Garden
Growing Help
Community Unity Garden
Growing Community Unity

Thank you again to all who have participated!

Welcome Hallie!

2010-05-12T11:43:00.004-06:00

We are excited to introduce you to Hallie Reikowsky,

our new Garden & Education Manager!

With a background in environmental education, terrific energy and enthusiasm, and excellent people and organizational skills, we know she will be an invaluable asset to our efforts at The Hunger Coalition.

Hallie is creating a Wish List for everything from garden tools to fence materials as she oversees the initial implementation of our new Garden & Community Park. Her many responsibilities also include coordination of volunteer efforts, community & client educational programs, and overall garden production and maintenance.

Stop by the Garden one of these days to introduce yourself and get a first hand look at what all the excitement is about!

To become a volunteer or offer your contributions and/or donations toward our efforts in providing wholesome food to the hungry in our community, please email Hallie at: hreikowsky@thehungercoalition.org or call 788-0121 ext. 311 with questions, ideas, or donations.

This Garden is really about the future of Blaine County . . .

get involved and make a difference!

Our Garden Needs a Name!

2010-05-05T09:44:00.008-06:00

We need your help, Blaine County!

Our new Garden & Community Park in Downtown Hailey needs a name - share your ideas with us and yours just might be the winning submission. We hope to enjoy the stewardship of this beautiful downtown for years to come through the creation of a well maintained, productive vegetable and fruit garden that enriches our community and enhances the well being of all our residents.

Review details and a design drawing of our Garden at: http://thehungercoalition.blogspot.com/2010/04/moment-you-have-been-waiting-for.html .

Learn more about the project and it's goals for our community through our website at: http://thehungercoalition.org/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=/Admin/Default.aspx%3fContentId%3d73&ContentId=73

Read press releases and highlights about the project on our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=133748944125#!/pages/Blaine-County-Hunger-Coalition/133748944125

Review the archives of Sun Valley Online at: http://www.sunvalleyonline.com/2010/03/29/hunger-coalition-presents-garden-concept

Email your idea directly to Hallie, our new Garden & Education Manager at: "Hallie Reikowsky"

We look forward to your submissions!

Thank you, Blaine County for getting involved and helping us to make a difference!

Wood River Womens' Charitable Foundation

2010-04-22T13:23:00.004-06:00

We are incredibly grateful ~

The Wood River Women's Charitable Foundation

recently awarded us a remarkable generous gift of $25,000

for the continued operation of our Mobile Food Bank Program!

Their belief in our efforts and support of our programs help us to provide critical wholesome foods to individuals and families throughout the Valley. On behalf of our clients, and the entire community, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of the thoughtful, intelligent, and involved women who share our vision of a healthy, vibrant Wood River Valley.

Together, Blaine County, we can make a Difference!

Fisherman For A Cause, Part II

2010-04-22T13:13:00.003-06:00

They did it again!

Our fabulous Fisherman For A Cause spent another Saturday at the Mountain Pride facility in Ketchum cleaning, preparing, and bagging another remarkable 225 fresh steelhead trout for distribution through our Mobile Food Bank.

Again, our sincere Thanks to John Huber, Stuart Sideman, Jonathan Waggoner and everyone else who pitched in and made this yet another successful day for The Hunger Coalition!

Do you have a fresh idea for helping to feed the hungry in Blaine COunty?

Let us know! Call 788-0121 or info@thehungercoalition.org

Join us at Girls on the Run!

2010-04-14T14:48:00.003-06:00

The New Balance Girls on the Run & Healthy Living Expo is on it's way . . .

The Hunger Coalition would like to host a booth for the event, but we need your help.

Can you join us for a few hours on Saturday May 22nd at Heagle Park in Hailey?

We are distributing healthy snacks and offering loads of encouragement

and moral support to all participants!

This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved and make a difference in our community while enjoying the company of family, friends, and neighbors.

Please give us a call at 788-0121 or email: info@thehungercoalition.org

if you can lend a hand!

The Moment You Have Been Waiting For . . .

2010-04-08T12:14:00.006-06:00

Ladies and Gentleman,

After much waiting and deliberating, here it is -

The Hunger Coalition Garden & Community Park Design

Located at the corner of E. Walnut St. and S. 1st Street in downtown Hailey

A special thank you to all the wonderful, dedicated and creative individuals who came

together to make this vision a reality!

Sign ups for volunteer opportunities are already underway . . .

For more information about how you can contribute,

please visit our website: www.thehungercoalition.org

or email: bbonner@thehungercoalition.org

You can also call The Hunger Coalition at 788-0121

2010-03-29T12:20:00.006-06:00

Garden Design Concept Meeting

Join us as we share the draft design for our new garden

and community park in downtown Hailey!

Tuesday, April 6th

6 - 7:30pm

The Hunger Coalition Food Bank

We are excited to share the draft design concept with the community, hear your comments and encourage your suggestions. The garden and native landscaped park will be a beautiful community asset and can provide fresh healthy vegetables and fruits for our clients.

Key Design Elements include:

Individual garden beds dedicated to produce production
Native landscaping beds with educational signage
Home garden demonstration beds
A small fruit orchard
Compost bins
ADA accessible pathways

Join us at The Hunger Coalition Food Bank on Tuesday evening between 6 - 7:30 pm on April 6th and learn more about how you can get involved in this remarkable project!

The Hunger Coalition Food Bank is located at:

121 Honeysuckle Street

Bellevue, ID 83313

(208) 788-0121

Donations Are Down

2010-03-24T14:20:00.007-06:00

DONATIONS, PLEASE!

Spring is definitely in the air, but the economic picture for many is not so rosy. According to Hunger in Idaho 2010, a landmark study released by the Idaho Foodbank this month, 34% of Idahoans choose between paying their rent or mortgage and paying for food. Blaine County is no exception.

Considering this, who has anything leftover to donate?

This is the serious dilemma facing The Hunger Coalition today. Numbers are steady and the demand for help is constant, but donations are down. As the major provider of food assistance to the general populace in Blaine County, we rely on contributions from individuals, businesses, and foundations to feed between 180 - 350 families every month. Last year we distributed almost 195,000 pounds of food - and this year is not going to be any different.

How about it, Blaine County? Can you show your neighbors in need that you

care and are willing to get involved?

Learn about the ways you can help, visit our website at: www.thehungercoalition.org.

You can read more at a recent article posted at SunValleyOnline.com,

http://www.sunvalleyonline.com/2010/03/19/donation-shortage-worries-hunger-coalition

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

2010-03-10T11:33:00.007-07:00

WATCH US GROW!

We are delighted to share with you our plans for a productive, organic vegetable and fruit garden and community park in downtown Hailey!

This garden & park is an integral part of our mission, providing fresh, locally-grown organic produce to Hunger Coalition clients and offering empowerment and educational opportunities to both clients and members of the community.

Clients can participate in the betterment of their own lives and community, learning new skills while contributing in kind.

The community will enjoy having a beautiful, well maintained park that invites volunteerism and educational opportunities through demonstration gardens about native landscaping and ideas for water conservation.

Fresh, locally-grown organic produce harvested in the garden will enrich the health and well being of our community's hungry.

We welcome ideas, thoughts and comments . . . . please pass this along to your friends and family. We look forward to hearing from you!

We hope for participation from gardeners, landscape professionals, community service groups, conservation and land-use organizations and other non-profits that serve seniors, at-risk youth, crime victims, and others.

Thank You for your interest and support!

For more information, please email Brook Bonner: bbonner@thehungercoalition.org

Fundraisers to Feed the Hungry

2009-11-03T14:59:00.001-07:00

HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR

Shop locally this holiday season at the first annual Holiday Gift Fair!

Join Allsop Home and Garden and several other Valley businesses November 23^rd at the Clarion Hotel in Ketchum from 5:00 – 8:00pm for this first annual Holiday Gift Fair! This is the perfect time to get started with your holiday shopping, find unique gifts for the special people in your life, and support your community all at once!

Exceptional gift items available include such products as:

v Organic body care products by Sun Valley Remedies

v Hand-made paper products by Butterfly Design Studio

v Solar powered garden accents & unique garden products by Allsop Home and Garden

v Specialty Italian Sauces and prepared meal items by Nonna’s

v Hand-made pottery by Listan Studios

v Hand-made jewelry by Silvia Romero

v Organic Idaho Wine by 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards

In the spirit of supporting those in need, we will hold a raffle with numerous, wonderful prizes! 100% of the proceeds from the raffle will be donated to The Hunger Coalition. Raffle tickets are $5.00 per ticket or $20 for 5 tickets. You need not be present to win!

For more information call Christine Gelb at Allsop Home and Garden at 726-0624.

More Fundraisers to Feed the Hungry

2009-11-03T14:47:00.003-07:00

GRATITUDE MONTH AT QUANTUM HEALING ARTS

Help celebrate with

Dr. Maria Maricich and The Hunger Coalition

during the month of November

Gratitude enriches human life. It elevates, inspires and transforms. Gratitude improves emotional and physical health, and it can strengthen relationships and communities. When you are in a true state of gratitude, you have the ability to manifest your life purpose and anything your heart desires.

During the month of November:

Dr. Maria Maricich of Quantum Healing Arts is offering a FREE Health & Stress Evaluation for a $20 donation to The Hunger Coalition. What better way to show compassion for yourself while sharing compassion with others in need.

Call today: 726-6010!!

Quantum Healing Arts will also be holding a food drive. Please bring non-perishable food items to the office to help stock The Hunger Coalition’s food bank shelves!

Quantum Healing Arts hopes that you take time to be thankful for anyone in your life who has nurtured you, protected you, shown you the way or loved you. And thank yourself for having compassion, creativity, responsibility and endurance to keep going in challenging times. To learn more, visit www.gratitudepower.net

For more information on Dr. Maria and The Hunger Coalition Hailey, Idaho please visit: www.DrMariaMaricich.com and www.thehungercoalition.org

Paws for Hunger & Hunger Awareness Month

2009-10-19T11:03:00.007-06:00

October is Hunger Awareness Month in Idaho. Over the last difficult year, many people have lost their jobs. Combined with the ongoing economic turmoil, more people are finding it harder to make ends meet. Some are forced to choose between feeding their children and paying for rent, gas or medical bills. When times are tough, loved pets go hungry as well.

As part of Hunger Awareness Month activities, Cadette Girl Scout Troop 61, led by Cindy Kirk, sponsored a pet food drive in conjuction with the Blessing of the Animals held at the Wood River Animal Shelter.

The food was given to the "Paws for Hunger" project at the Hunger Coalition in Hailey. The week before the event the girls gathered to make their own dog bisquits to hand out to the animals that participated in the blessing. All of the animals seemed to enjoy the girls' hard work and the girls had a great time making the bisquits with all natural ingredients.

The members of Troop 61 are: Annie Ashfield, Isabel Kirk, Josie Potts, Lexi Browne and Shelby Barnes. They are in 8th grade and are currently working toward earning their Silver Award. The Silver Award is the 2nd highest award in Girl Scouts and requires numerous hours of Leadership and Community Service.

The Troop is also sponsoring the Fall Corporate Food Drive which will kick off on October 26 and continue through November 9th. At this time there are over 10 businesses participating! Any businesses who would like to participate in the challange should email Cindy Kirk at cindykirk@kirk-group.com or phone her at 788-2559 or 309-2559.

Summer Food Program

2009-07-06T13:11:00.003-06:00

Nourishing Bellies and Bodies
One-in-three Blaine County students qualify for free or reduced meals during the school year. Recognizing that these children most likely do not receive enough nutrition during the summer vacation, The Hunger Coalition and the Blaine County School District started the Lunch Connection – Nourishing Bellies and Bodies, a free summer food program. Over 6,000 free meals were served to children during the first year!

This year, Lunch is served daily at Woodside Elementary from 11-12 pm, Monday – Friday until August 14th. Children ages 1-18 are welcome to come for nutritious lunches. There is no need to qualify or be enrolled in summer school. Adults too can partake of these lunches for only $3.25.

In addition, from June 8th through July 16th, free, kid-oriented activities will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays by the Environmental Resource Center and Bellevue Public Library.

On July 20th, summer school begins and hot breakfasts will also be available Mondays through Fridays from 8-9 am. This meal is also open to all. The summer food program concludes on Friday, August 14th.

2009-02-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

The Hunger Coalition's new Mobile Food Bank came in handy this week when they got a call from organizers at the Special Olympics World Games. As the games drew to a close, unused food was donated to local charities. The Hunger Coalition loaded their mobile food bank van and distributed it to the various agencies providing food relief. The Coalition teamed up with Ketchum Community Dinners to get the food to agencies like St. Luke’s Center for Community Health, the Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Blaine County Senior Center. Souper Supper was also contacted and offered food.

“It felt good to be able to feed so many and to make sure the food got put to good use,” said Jeanne Liston, Executive Director of The Hunger Coalition. Michael Hobbs of Ketchum Community Dinners also took time out of his work day to help load the mobile food bank and distribute the food. His organization provides hot meals to the community out of the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood each Wednesday evening.

Backpack Club Grows

2009-01-31T15:51:00.000-07:00

The Hunger Coalition's Backpack Club was initiated in the fall of 2008 and continues to gain momentum weekly. Donated backpacks are stuffed full of food and sent home with chronically hungry children or those in the midst of a family crisis on Fridays . The backpacks ensure anonymity since no one has to know what's inside. Students receive 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners and 2 snacks in child-friendly, shelf stable food that they can prepare on their own. There has been an overwhelmingly positive response to this program from school social workers, students and parents alike. As of January 30, we are providing over 100 backpacks per week!

Volunteers stuff backpacks each Thursday and they are taken to the schools' social workers each Friday morning. Backpacks are being provided to all schools in the Blaine County School District.

2009-01-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

Festival of Trees-November 2008

The Hunger coalition decided to participate in The Festival of trees this year. We felt it was important to show our support for other important causes in our community. The Festival of Trees is an annual fundraiser for The Senior Center.

I recruited a fabulous committee of four creative women, and our little elf, three month old Drake Lovlien! Kat Latham, Patty Gilman, Tonya Schneider, Maya Lovlien and myself came together to dream up a theme that would catch the spirit of the Hunger Coalition. We chose to take on the challenging task of making almost all our ornaments from scratch! We recycled cans, used wheat donated from a local garden, and wrapped
small cereal boxes in bright colored gift wrap and ribbon. Gail Kearns donated a variety of gorgeous food themed ornaments and lights. Patty used a handful of the donated ornaments to create a festive picnic themed tree skirt.

When we finally came together on the 19th to decorate our tree, we spent almost four hours fussing over every last detail. Tonya built the most elaborate tree topper in the room. She created a star frame out of thick wire and wrapped the entire thing with bunches of wheat. Once we figured out how to attach this giant to the top of the tree, it became a quite a show stopper!

On the day of the auction, our tree sold to a woman who ended up donating our tree to The Botanical garden, where it will be displayed for the Holiday season. What a great way to kick off the holiday season!

Thanks,
Naomi

Community Fast - October 22nd

2007-10-19T17:14:00.001-06:00

The Hunger Coalition hopes to increase citizens' awareness of hunger and encourage compassion for the hungry during October's Hunger Awareness Month. We are asking individuals to try stepping into the shoes of a hungry person for a few hours by skipping a meal on Monday, October 22, or even fasting for the entire day. We encourage those who do to write about their experience with hunger here.

Testimonials

2007-10-18T14:41:00.000-06:00

Here are some testimonials The Hunger Coalition has received from food recipients. If you have a testimonial to add, please do so.

Welcome!

2007-09-24T16:27:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the Hunger Coalition blog. We hope to collect comments and testimonials on hunger issues in our Valley here. Please use this space to share your experiences and opinions.
Thanks!
The Hunger Coalition