During a pandemic, much of the focus shifts to cities with denser populations, but smaller communities also suffer in ways that are unique from their larger counterparts. During a national food shortage, food access can be especially tenuous in remote locations.
With a population of just 94, White Bird, Idaho is one of dozens of communities in North Central Idaho that faced disruptions in food supply when the pandemic hit. Conversations between Leadership Council members and the town’s city clerk and local mercantile revealed that their community would be best served through a $2,500 grant to the Idaho Foodbank. This targeted grant enabled an additional Mobile Food Pantry drop to White Bird, providing the town with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and other essential food items. Meeting basic human needs is fundamental to improving the quality of life for everyone, because no one in our region should have to go hungry.
