Where does the food come from?
We purchase food from several locations to serve our clients. Barrels and Bins, Broulims, Family Dollar, Victor Valley Market, Walmart, and Winco are all local places we frequent. We also buy eggs, fresh fruit, and vegetables from Nicholas and Company weekly. We occasionally get food rescue from area stores and Hole Food Rescue in Jackson, WY. Various organizations, churches, businesses, and schools host food drives to collect food and donations for the Pantry. In the summer, area farms grow shares of vegetables specifically for the Pantry. Local ranchers sometimes donate USDA-inspected meat to the Pantry. 460 Bread supplies us with healthy bread for our clients. Customers of Teton Valley Meats can purchase meal kits for families in need. The Idaho Food Bank provides us with pallets of food every month.
How do you raise money to purchase food?
We raise money year-round to uphold our operations. Various entities support the Pantry annually, including local businesses, the Idaho Food Bank, Teton County Idaho, and United Way. We raise funds during Tin Cup through the Community Foundation of Teton Valley, which is a great time to donate as your donations are matched. We host other fundraisers, such as a golf tournament and new this year… a harvest dinner, to raise capital and awareness of the Pantry. We apply for grants and receive financial support from various foundations. We rely heavily on the generosity of our community to support our efforts. Donate Here>>
How many people do you serve?
In January 2022, we served an average of 300 households a month. In January of 2023, that number grew to over 600 households a month. Inflation, rising gas and housing prices, and seasonal employment have all contributed to the rise in clientele. The pantry has adjusted to these changes by increasing our budget, programming, and hours for donations and distribution. We are grateful to our wonderful volunteers and staff who make it all possible.
How do I sign up to be a client?
Visit the pantry during our hours of distribution for a once-weekly supplement. We are open five days a week. There are two simple intake forms and then a shopping list to fill out. Qualification is based on monthly household income. Our volunteers will shop for you immediately and you can choose items from our community area. Get Food Here>>
How do I sign up to volunteer?
Volunteering at the food pantry is fun and rewarding. We have 2-hour shifts, which will keep you busy with many tasks and ample opportunities to help with food drives and fundraising. All new volunteers require a one-hour training. Give us a call at the pantry to coordinate your sign-up! Volunteer Here>>