BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Hunger Coalition staff thought they’d seen need for their services peak in April 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic forced layoffs throughout the Wood River Valley.

But the organization distributed more grocery boxes than ever before in June of this year.

The Hunger Coalition distributed 2,199 boxes during June 2022, exceeding the previous record high of 1,989 boxes in April 2020. The organization’s leaders say surging gas and food prices coupled with the housing crisis are making it tough for many Wood River Valley residents to afford groceries.

“In April of 2020 we thought we'd seen the worst of hunger in the U.S.,” said Brooke Pace McKenna, the organization’s co-executive director. “At that time, we’d fed as many people in one month as we had the entire year before. Though our numbers steadily decreased from then, they stayed significantly higher than pre-pandemic times. While we hoped they would continue to drop, in recent months, they’ve actually gotten worse.”

Communications Manager Kristin McMahon said the increased demand makes it important for the community to step up with donations, volunteer work, egg cartons and empty boxes. Donations given through Sept. 1 will be matched by a $50,000 matching gift.

We know we ask a lot of our community, but we need you to keep showing up. We need your volunteerism. Your voice in public forums. Your attendance at City Council meetings, Planning & Zoning meetings, and budget hearings,” said McMahon.

Those wishing to make a donation may do so at https://thehungercoalition.org or by mailing a check to 110 Honeysuckle St., Bellevue, ID. 83313.

Those wishing to volunteer time may visit https://thehungercoalition.org  to learn about volunteer opportunities or text JOIN to 208-369-2486 to learn about action steps to address the root causes of hunger.