STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Hunger Coalition was recently honored as Humanitarian of the Year by the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

The award was presented at the Idaho State Capitol building Boise.

"As of 2020, the Blaine County Hispanic population accounted for approximately 20% of the county's total population and nearly 50% of the student population,” noted Jennifer Rangel, participant resource manager for The Hunger Coalition. “Our community is accepting and appreciative of the various Hispanic cultures.”

Rangel, who accepted the award along with Jane Lopez, added that Idaho’s Hispanic population needs to step up and be represented as its population grows.

“It can be intimidating to be the first to jump into a position of leadership, but we need to change the story so there are no more firsts out there, but instead rising leaders who are one of many,” she said. “We need to shift the narrative and make sure we are continuing to have a voice and paving the way for other Latinos in the room.”