MOSCOW, ID – University of Idaho Extension is expanding its efforts to support northern Idaho food banks following federal assistance cuts. Extension staff are growing potatoes and partnering with cattle producers to help fill the gap left by reduced federal food programs.

At the request of the Bonner Community Food Center, U of I’s Sandpoint Organic Agricultural Center planted 600 pounds of potato seed this season and plans to expand into other storage crops like winter squash, cabbage, and onions next year. Despite late planting, officials expect to harvest up to one ton of potatoes.

“We’re always looking for ways we can be helpful and impactful in our community, and when this opportunity came up, it was a no-brainer for us,” said Kyle Nagy, SOAC superintendent. “We knew we had to help.”
The initiative comes as northern Idaho faces significant food insecurity, with 14.7% of the population and 21% of children lacking reliable food access. Debbie Love, executive director of the Bonner Community Food Center, has seen demand increase 53% over two years while federal assistance has dwindled dramatically.

“Food insecurity really is an issue across the nation, but especially in Idaho and definitely in north Idaho,” said Extension educator Audra Cochran. “We’re all teaming up to help the food banks and our communities.”
Extension educators are also partnering with Idaho’s beef industry through the Beef Counts program, recently helping label 2,000 pounds of ground beef for the Idaho Foodbank Lewiston Branch.

The program has provided over 6.5 million servings of beef to those in need since 2010.