Feed the Hungry in the Wood River Valley

When it comes to hunger in the Wood River Valley the statistics are not pretty. This winter in particular, the Hunger Coalition's food bank has been all but depleted.

Demand for food assistance has increased 326% in the last two years and 2008 does not look any better. Currently, stock that should last the food bank a full month is gone within just one week. Already, the Hunger Coalition has exceeded 80% of its annual budget for food just in the first quarter of the year.

To help feed the hungry, the Hunger Coalition has turned to the community for help. Throughout the Wood River Valley, there are a number of yellow collection barrels and boxes where people can place your donations. As of April, a number of businesses have already stepped up to the plate including Marketron, Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT), POWER Engineers, Rocky Mountain Hardware, Scott USA, Smith Sport Optics and St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center.

If you want to help, please drop off non-perishable food items at one of the yellow barrels in your local grocery store. Items of most need included canned fruits and vegetables as well as canned meats, soups, pasta and rice. You can also buy a Stop Hunger card at Atkinsons’ Markets (found at the checkout stands). Each card gives $5 directly to the Hunger Coalition to help feed hungry children and families. For more information, visit the Hunger Coalition.