Hunger can impact anyone; working families, senior citizens, and individuals simply trying to make ends meet. That’s why organizations like The Idaho Foodbank play such an important role in supporting communities across the state. Through healthy food access, compassionate support, and meaningful community partnerships, The Idaho Foodbank works to do more than provide food. They also strive to address the root causes of food insecurity while treating every individual with dignity and care.
Partnerships help make the mission possible by bringing together volunteers, resources, and organizations committed to strengthening their communities.
That’s why we were so excited for the opportunity to sit down with Hy’d Andrews, the regional director for the north central location, to learn more about the organization and how their relationship with P1FCU has turned into a partnership.
What is the Idaho Foodbank?
As one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the state, The Idaho Foodbank serves thousands of families and individuals each year. Despite its name, the organization is not a state agency. It is a private non-profit that is largely supported through donations from individuals and businesses within the community. Approximately 94% of their funding comes directly from individual donors.
The Idaho Foodbank serves food insecure Idahoans statewide through their network of over 400 distribution partners, which includes schools, senior centers, churches, and other community food pantries.
Their mission is more than just providing food for those in need. They work to understand and address the many factors that contribute to food insecurity. “We want to go beyond providing food,” Hy’d shared. “We want to help them find what the root of the cause is.”
The foodbank recognizes that hunger is often connected to larger challenges, including housing costs, medical expenses, transportation, and other financial burdens. Their goal is to help individuals and families navigate difficult seasons while preserving dignity and offering support along the way. They also prioritize nutrition, with approximately 85% of the food distributed being considered healthy.
The Importance of Partnerships and Volunteers
Community partnerships are a major part of making the organization possible. “Partnerships are really huge to us,” Hy’d said. “It’s not just about what they can do for us, but it’s how we can do what we do together.”
With a shared commitment to the community, the partnership between the Idaho Foodbank and P1FCU continues to grow in meaningful ways. Our employees at P1FCU have monthly opportunities to volunteer, supporting the organization while building stronger connections with the communities we both serve.
“One thing that’s really cool about P1FCU is showing how important giving back is by having you all come in every month,” she said. “This is near and dear to their hearts by having all new employees come and volunteer here.”
Volunteers play a critical role in The Foodbank’s ability to serve the community. Hy’d explained that the organization has approximately 25 regular volunteers who consistently donate their time, whether weekly or monthly. Their impact is so significant and vital to the organization that she compares their volunteer hours to having multiple additional full-time employees.
"There are a lot of volunteer opportunities in this town to choose from,” she explained. “Our volunteer opportunities are very robust because we always have projects for volunteers. We know when we get them, we need volunteers to see the impact they’re making for their community.”
That focus on creating meaningful experiences encourages volunteers to stay involved and continue supporting the mission. Whether it’s sorting food, assisting families, or helping with events, every volunteer plays a role in ensuring community members have access to the resources they need.
“Everyone has their own story. We don’t know what their story is,” she said. “You have to give them their dignity and let them do their thing.”
Communities Coming Together
For many, the pantry is a temporary support system that helps relieve financial stress and pressure during difficult times. Access to food can help families put money toward rent, utilities, transportation, or medical bills as they work toward stability.
Community members can support organizations like the Idaho Foodbank in many ways, whether that be volunteering, donations, fundraising, or simply finding causes they feel passionate about. “We need the community to find what they have a passion for and go out and volunteer,” Hy’d encouraged.
The power of partnership and service can make a meaningful difference in communities. When local organizations, businesses, and volunteers come together with a shared purpose, they help create strong, healthier communities for everyone.
Through compassion, collaboration, and a shared commitment to serving others, partnerships like the one between The Idaho Foodbank and P1FCU help strengthen the communities we call home.
To learn about partnerships and the communities that we serve, click here.
