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Large confined animal feeding operations can pose pollution threats to surface and groundwater. (Aaron/Adobe Stock)

ID offers grants to improve confined animal operations

Idaho is accepting proposals for projects that improve confined animal feeding operations in the state. The operations - also known as CAFOs - can …

The latest Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation ranked Idaho high in the family and community category, at fourth best in the nation. (Vadim Sofin/Adobe Stock)

Report:ID ranks high in child well-being, education still concern

Idaho ranks 13th in a new report on child well-being. The Annie E. Casey Foundation's annual Kids Count Data Book measures how well states are …

Nearly $13 million in food benefits would have been distributed to Idaho families if the state had signed up for the Summer EBT program. (jetcityimage/Adobe Stock)

Without summer food aid, ID families' options limited

Thirty-seven states have signed up for summer meal dollars for kids. Idaho is not among them. The Department of Agriculture's Summer Electronic …

Pandemic-related SNAP benefits ended in March, causing thousands to fall off the

Changes to SNAP in 2023 Farm Bill Concern Hunger-Fighting Groups

Anti-hunger advocates are closely watching negotiations over the 2023 Farm Bill. Every five years, Congress considers this large piece of …

Idaho ranks fifth in the nation among states in the Family and Community category of a new report on child well-being. (Douglas Hughmanick/Adobe Stock)

ID Ranks High in Child Well-Being, But Child Care Costs Concerning

Idaho ranks fairly high compared to other states in a new report on children's well-being, but the high cost of child care lurks as a burden for …

Potato farming practices have not changed much in many decades. (John Finnell)

ID Farm Pioneers Regenerative Ag Practices for Potato Growing

A farm in Idaho is pioneering a new way to grow the state's most famous crop: potatoes. The pioneering method is being demonstrated on Ladd Wahlen's …

Programs such as Double Up Food Bucks help families buy more fresh food at farmers markets. (Jeremy Segrott/Flickr)

Anti-Hunger Advocate to Tout Safety Net's Benefit in ID

BOISE, Idaho -- The head of Hunger Free America is coming to Idaho this weekend as part of his tour across the country. Joel Berg, CEO of the …

Treating food as medicine is becoming a more mainstream remedy in doctors' offices. (ARTFULLY-79/Adobe Stock)

ID Partnership on 'Farmacy' Treats Food as Medicine

BOISE, Idaho -- Boise State University nursing students and the Idaho Foodbank are teaming up to establish healthy food as crucial medicine for …

The Pandemic EBT program offers about $375 in food benefits per eligible child over the summer months to replace school meals. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Report: Permanent Summer Food Program Would Benefit ID Kids

BOISE, Idaho -- Summer usually coincides with a troubling spike in childhood hunger while kids are out of school, but a program set up during the …

Idaho food pantries have been filling the need this month, as more than 40,000 families have seen their emergency food benefits decrease. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

ID Food Banks See Need Grow as Emergency SNAP Ends

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho - Food banks have seen increased need since pandemic-related food benefits expired in Idaho. The Idaho Department of Health and …

Many in the Northwest fishing industry say some of their challenges stem from four lower Snake River dams and their effects on salmon migration. (kellyvandellen/Adobe Stock)

Simpson's NW Salmon Plan Gets More Backing

BOISE, Idaho -- If the Pacific Northwest has a taste, it's for the region's salmon, but as the iconic fish species dwindles, it also effects a food …

Idaho, Like Biden Administration, Could Bump Up Minimum Wage

BOISE, Idaho - As the Biden administration pushes to raise the minimum wage as part of novel coronavirus relief legislation, a bill in the Idaho …

Idaho Foodbank has increased its food distribution by 44% during the pandemic. (bravissimos/Adobe Stock)

ID Ranchers Wrangle Up Meals for Idaho Foodbank in 2021

BOISE, Idaho - A group of Idaho ranchers are riding to the rescue for people in need during the pandemic. Gem State companies are dedicating 100 …

Mountain America Credit Union has donated more than 26,000 meals to the Idaho Foodbank this year. (Mountain America Credit Union)

Credit Unions Donate to Help Feed Idahoans During Hard Times

BOISE, Idaho -- With folks across the country struggling to afford meals, credit unions are stepping up to help people in need. Feeding America …

Cliff's Country Market in Caldwell, Idaho, was among the stores that participated in the Prescription for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables program. (Idaho Hunger Relief Task Force)

Doctor's Orders: Program Prescribes Fresh Fruits, Vegetables to Idahoans

BOISE, Idaho -- A pilot program that prescribes a trip to the produce aisle has been a success in Idaho. The Nebraska-based Gretchen Swanson Center …

Gov. Brad Little has approved $2.7 million in hunger relief since the pandemic began. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Hunger Awareness Month: ID Orgs Go 'Above and Beyond'

RIGBY, Idaho -- Idaho Gov. Brad Little has issued a proclamation declaring October Hunger Awareness Month. The Idaho Hunger Relief Task Force and …

Each year, millions of acres of crops in the U.S. are sprayed with chlorpyrifos. (Adobe Stock)<br />

New EPA Report Links Pesticide to Fish, Wildlife Concerns

BOISE, Idaho -- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a new risk assessment of chlorpyrifos, but critics of the agency say there's …

About 130,000 Idaho students should be eligible for the Pandemic EBT program. (Olesya/Adobe Stock)

COVID-19 Program Funds Meals for ID Kids

BOISE, Idaho -- After the COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools, many Idaho students were left without their regular school meals. Now, a program …

Volunteers in Idaho are stepping up to feed those in need across the state. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

ID Food Pantries See Spike in Folks Needing Meals

BOISE, Idaho -- More Idahoans are seeking help getting meals as businesses close their doors to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. The …

The USDA estimates 35% of meat goes unused. (waranyu/Adobe Stock)

Tip List: Don't Let Holiday Foods Go to Waste

BLACKFOOT, Idaho – The holidays mean lots of big meals – and also lots of food waste. But a few tips could help people put those …

Empty Bowls event on November 23, 2018 in Boise, Idaho, which raised about $43,000. (The Idaho Foodbank)

Filling 'Empty Bowls' for ID Families in Need This Holiday Season

BOISE, Idaho — It's the 22nd year of Empty Bowls, a post-Thanksgiving tradition in Boise to ensure fewer people are without food this holiday …

Idaho is in the heart of its growing season and farmers markets are up in towns big and small. (Thomas Leth-Olsen/Flickr)

ID Farmers Markets: SNAP Dollars Go Twice As Far

BOISE, Idaho – The season for Idaho farmers markets is in full swing, offering nutritious and fresh options for folks around the state…

Las comunidades de Idaho conf�an en el regreso del salm�n y la trucha para el a�o pr�ximo. (Nan Palmero/Flickr)

El Gobernador de Idaho forma diversos grupos para planear la recuperación del salmón

BOISE, Idaho – Un grupo diverso de accionistas estarán en Boise este viernes con el fin de desarrollar un plan para salvar al salmón …

The Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center has a collection of rare and rediscovered apple varieties. (Kyle Nagy/Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center)

Forbidden Fruits: How Lost Apple Varieties Could Help the Environment

SANDPOINT, Idaho – Apple enthusiasts in the Northwest are exploring a past that tasted much different – and could sprout environmental …

With rising rents and a growing population, Idaho is facing a shortage of affordable housing. (woodleywonderworks/Flickr)

Report: Idaho Incomes Fall Far Behind Rising Rents

BOISE, Idaho – Idaho renters are feeling the squeeze as rents have increased at three times the rate of wages in the state over the past few …

In their Supermarket Dash event, Treasure Valley credit unions raised $4,000 for their local food pantries. (Salvation Army Nampa Corps)

Dash Through Supermarket Helps Idaho Food Banks

BOISE, Idaho – With the holiday season a few months away and school back in session, food pantries are in need. This year, a group of Idaho …

Last year, more than three-quarters of the people in Idaho who received SNAP benefits were in families with children. (vikvarga/Pixabay)

Farm Bill Could Put Food Assistance at Risk for Idahoans

BOISE, Idaho – Low-income Idahoans who receive food benefits could be required to find jobs if that policy survives the final version of the 201…

The Boise Farmers Market offers a mobile market to neighborhoods around the city. (Tamara Cameron/Boise Farmers Market)

Double Up Food Bucks a Triple Win for Communities

BOISE, Idaho — Farmers markets across Idaho are offering people the chance to double how far their food benefits go on fresh fruits and …

Summer meal programs are an important resource for working families when school isn't in session. (smgu3/Twenty20)

Idaho Ranks in Top Ten on Summer Meals Report

BOISE, Idaho - Idaho ranks in the top 10 for participation rates in summer lunch programs for kids, according to a new report. The Food Research and …

The Metro Meals on Wheels program serves more than 900 hot meals every weekday to seniors in the Treasure Valley. (Metro Meals on Wheels)

Fighting Senior Hunger During Older Americans Month

BOISE, Idaho – It's Older Americans Month, a celebration of the country's seniors and also a chance to recognize some of the challenges they …

Last year, the Idaho Foodbank received 173,000 pounds of food during the Stamp Out Hunger food drive. (Idaho Foodbank)

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Comes Just in Time for Summer

BOISE, Idaho — It doesn't get much easier to donate than it will be during this Saturday's Stamp Out Hunger food drive. In Idaho, as well as …

Mabel Dobbs says small ranches like hers struggle against corporate producers, which might prevent her granddaughters from taking over one day. (Homegrown Stories)

Could Healthy Food Movement Restore Family Agriculture?

WEISER, Idaho – Mabel Dobbs hopes her granddaughters can take over her ranch one day, but she has doubts. Dobbs got involved in ranching more …

The School Breakfast Program helps prepare students' minds for learning. (U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr)

Idaho Governor Proclaims School Breakfast Week

BOISE, Idaho – This week, Idaho and states across the nation are celebrating the importance of breakfast for students. President of the Idaho …

Lajohnna Honey was part of the Food Is Medicine pilot program, and got to pick her own fresh food at a local farm. (Idaho Hunger Relief Task Force)

Project Uses "Prescriptive Power" of Doctors to Promote Good Nutrition

BOISE, Idaho – A mission to get patients in clinics greater access to healthy food is expanding in Idaho. The St. Luke's Community Health …

Peaceful Belly Farm participates in the Food is Medicine project to bring fresh produce to food insecure families.(Peaceful Belly Farm)

Governor Sets October as Hunger and Food Security Awareness Month

BOISE, Idaho – Idaho Gov. Butch Otter is proclaiming October Hunger and Food Security Awareness Month. His proclamation will be read at …

Experts refer to bees as indicator species because their decline could signal larger issues for the environment. (Mark Skipper/Flickr)

Bees, Other Pollinators Need Protection

BOISE, Idaho - As we enjoy the late-summer crops produced in Idaho and around the country, environmental advocates are hoping everyone will take time …

A nonprofit restaurant in Marsing, Idaho, serves seniors free meals and also prepares food for the Meals on Wheels program. (Katrina Heikkinen/U.S. Air Force)

Senior Hunger Still Plagues Idaho, But One Community is Fighting Back

MARSING, Idaho -- About one-in-ten seniors in Idaho isn't sure where they will find their next meal, according to a new report. The National …

President Trump's budget proposal includes $800 billion in cuts to Medicaid over the next decade, which would affect many Idaho families. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

How Would Trump Budget Proposal Affect Idaho Children?

BOISE, Idaho - The Trump administration released its proposal to balance the country's budget over the next decade on Tuesday, and says it will …

By the end of next year, KFC will be the largest fast food chain to commit to serving chicken that isn't raised using antibiotics. (Mike Mozart/Flickr)

KFC Commits to Serving Chicken Raised Without Antibiotics

BOISE, Idaho – Consumer and public health advocates are applauding the latest pledge by a fast food chain to phase out its use of chickens …

Hundreds of groups are objecting to proposed mergers that would put control of 80 percent of the U.S. corn-seed market in the hands of just a few companies. (Donna Cleveland)

Groups Urge Sessions to Oppose Chemical Company Monopolies

BOISE, Idaho – Nearly 325 organizations have signed a letter pressing new U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to make sure the Justice …

The hectic holidays can take a toll on a person's health, but there also are simple strategies to minimize this seasonal stress. (Kirt Edblom/Flickr)

Stressing the Holidays? Here are Some Remedies

BOISE, Idaho - This time of year, many people focus on fun parties, quality family time and gift-giving, but it can lead some to get caught up in the …

Some Idaho families will struggle to put food on the table this holiday season. One in six Idahoans struggles with hunger, according to Feeding America. (LuAnn Snawder Photography/Flickr)

Providing Hope for Hungry Idaho Families

LEWISTON, Idaho – Holidays traditionally are times for family festivities, and that usually means having siblings, grandparents, aunts and …

A screenshot from a video made at the Bettencourt Dairy in Hansen, which sparked Idaho's ag-gag law. (Mercy for Animals)

Idaho's Ag-Gag Law Challenged in Federal Court

BOISE, Idaho – An Idaho law that discourages undercover investigations at large-scale livestock farms is headed for a showdown in federal court…

A bee-keeping group says pesticide labels carry inaccurate information to protect bees. Credit: Deborah C. Smith

Pesticide Ruling Raises Questions About Label Guidelines

BOISE, Idaho - Pollinator Stewardship Council program director Michele Colopy. She says current guidelines for most pesticides don't protect bees …

ight-year-old Josie Roll of Moscow, Idaho, recently went to Washington, D.C., to see her winning healthy recipe served at a White House dinner. Credit: Kate Roll.

Idaho Girl's Healthy Recipe Served at the White House

MOSCOW, Idaho - It isn't every kid who gets to eat dinner at the White House in Washington, D.C., but an Idaho eight-year-old girl not only did that …

It's National Farmers Market Awareness Week in the Gem State. Credit: Deborah C. Smith.

Farmers Market Week: Connecting Food Systems

BOISE, Idaho – This week marks National Farmers Market Week in Idaho, as proclaimed by Governor Butch Otter. One goal of the week is to …

About 11,000 Idaho grandparents are raising their grandchildren, and according to the Idaho Hunger Relief Task Force, many are having a tough time stretching food budgets. Credit: Pixabay.com.

Kinship Care Eats Away at Senior Budgets

BOISE, Idaho – Retirement planning doesn't usually include preparing for the expenses of raising children – but that's the scenario for …

The Great Owyhee Ride Against Hunger, raising money for the Oregon Food Bank, kicks off tomorrow from Ontario, Ore. Photo courtesy: Great Owyhee Ride Against Hunger.

Cyclists Pedal Against Hunger in the Owyhees

ONTARIO, Ore. - About 300 cyclists are hitting the road in Ontario on Saturday for the Great Owyhee Ride Against Hunger. Routes range from 15 to 100 …

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ID: Hunger/Food/Nutrition