Food Security in Rural Idaho

‘rural is different—not impossible’

Presented by Kathy Gardner

Director, Idaho Hunger Relief Task Force

Boise, Idaho

kdgardner@cableone.net

www.idahohunger.org

(208) 447-8218

Idaho Hunger Relief Task Force

‘We envision that hunger will not exist in a state as abundant as Idaho and work to put public and private resources into action

statewide to eliminate hunger and provide food security for all Idahoans.”

Choosing the Community

•Is the community ready?

•Political will?

•Hunger free vs. food secure

Hunger Free…one Rural Community at a timeEmmett, Idaho

•5,714 Population, County 16,437

•Orchards, farms, ranches

•Childhood poverty 22.2%

•Unemployment 13.3%

•Food Stamp 17.3%

•Strong local interest

•Hunger vs Food Security

Local Emmett Core Team

•‘Mayor Bill’

•Commissioner Lan Smith

•Emmett Friendship Food Pantry and Meal

•Gem County School District

•Senior Center—senior volunteer

•Latino community member

•Gem County Chamber of Commerce

•Local cattle rancher

•Emmett Faith community

•Western Idaho community action program

It’s all about…

the ‘Process’

Rural Challenges are just Detours

Success… as defined by the community

MEDIA COVERAGE

Emmett Messenger-Index Business development does include hunger

Janet Monti / Messenger Index

Posted: Wednesday, October 5, 2011 11:15 am | Updated: 11:01 am, Wed Oct 5, 2011. Business development does include hunger By Janet Monti Messenger Index Emmett Messenger-Index The September meeting for Shadow Butte Development Corporation took a different turn when Gem County Chamber of Commerce Director Dian Streeby talked about the impact of hunger. She attended a Gem County Hunger-free Initiative workshop earlier this month. "We are working on a lot of issues for Emmett," Streeby told members. The state pilot addressed transportation, communication, agriculture and jobs.One possibility that came up in the job workshop was the formation of a food hub. This could combine all aspects of food, including growers, transportation and consumers, which could be restaurants, schools and retail."We are looking at something that might be a main place where farmers and gardens could bring produce," Streeby said. "There could be a certified kitchen, access to a USDA butcher, classrooms for further education or maybe a retail front."

Life Beyond Planning…Implementation!

Replication…‘let’s do this again!’

Thanks for inviting me…

Kathy GardnerIdaho Hunger Relief Task Force

kdgardner@cableone.netwww.idahohunger.org