LEWISTON, ID — The Idaho Foodbank has launched its annual Back-to-School Campaign to raise funds and awareness for its Backpack and School Pantry programs, which provide food to children and families facing food insecurity across Idaho.

According to Feeding America’s latest Map the Meal Gap report, 20.6% of children in North Central Idaho experience food insecurity. Last year, The Idaho Foodbank distributed more than 10,500 weekend food backpacks to children in the region and helped support more than 23,000 households statewide through its School Pantry Program.

The Backpack Program provides students with nutritious, easy-to-prepare food to take home over weekends, while the School Pantry Program offers convenient access to groceries for families through pantries located inside participating schools.

“Our Backpack and School Pantry programs make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families,” said Hy’D Andrews, regional director of The Idaho Foodbank. “We are proud to work in partnership with schools to provide access to nutritious food to support children and families who are struggling to make ends meet.”

Idaho Central Credit Union is the statewide presenting sponsor of the campaign, and McVey Entertainment is partnering with The Idaho Foodbank throughout August to help promote the effort. Community members can learn more or make a donation by visiting The Idaho Foodbank’s Back-to-School campaign webpage.