Local food bank purchases warehouse after 41 years of operation
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The following is a news release from the Idaho Falls Community Food Basket.
IDAHO FALLS – After 41 years of service in eastern Idaho and multiple food storage locations, the Idaho Falls Community Food Basket is now the proud owner of its food storage warehouse located at 1895 North Boulevard.
A legacy gift to the community, this warehouse stores both dry and refrigerated food items. It also has a diaper bank, newly organized mattress and non-food needs program.
“After moving several times over the last few years, we had the unique opportunity to lease this warehouse with the option to purchase it at a fair market price thanks to the generosity of the building’s owner John Arrington and his wife, Martha Arrington. Fortunately, the community has been an incredible partner to our organization, and we successfully raised the money to put down a significant deposit on a loan to purchase the building, which closed today (Monday). We appreciate all of the generous donors, Mr. and Mrs. Arrington, the Regional Council for Christian Ministry’s Board of Directors, and the Bank of Commerce,” says CFBIF Executive Director Ariel Jackson.
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Community Food Basket’s 5-day per week food distribution program has become a staple as the need for food has risen significantly over the past two years. Formerly known as the Idaho Falls Community Food Bank, this organization began in 1980 as a community effort among several churches to meet the emergency needs of its church members. Today, CFBIF works to meet the emergency food needs of families and individuals facing food insecurity in the greater Idaho Falls area and is feeding up to 2,000 local families per month.
The purchase of the warehouse is significant. It will not only result in monthly cost savings but also an opportunity to make permanent improvements on the property and expand programming.
“This purchase will not only ensure that our community always has a place to store food for distribution but will allow us to expand programming including our Backpacks for Kids program that will allow children to take home healthy and easy-to-prepare food,” explains RCCM’s Board Chair Jane Kaestner.
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The purchase of the warehouse also kicks off an 18-month capital campaign to pay off the loan for the building.
“We are seeking donors, foundations, and companies who believe in our programs and want to help those in need with a legacy gift of their own. A contribution to our capital campaign is a life-saving mechanism, as the quicker we pay off the loan, the faster we are able to expand programming and have the funds to purchase healthy food when local food drives and donations are down. Most of the folks we serve are underemployed, disabled, veterans, or children. I can’t think of a better way to change the lives of those in need than partnering with our nonprofit organization,” explains Jackson.
If you’re interested in contributing, please donate through the website and leave the word “WAREHOUSE” in your donation comment. You can also mail a check payable to the Community Food Basket – Idaho Falls at P.O. Box 2236, Idaho Falls, ID 83403.