Monthly News and Updates from IdahoSTARS

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In 2022, approximately 12.8% of U.S. households were food insecure, a 2.3% increase from 2020. Idaho’s average is near the national average for food-insecure households, according to the USDA’s Economic Research Service. According to statistics from the United States Census Bureau, there are a minimum of approximately 288,237 individuals who experience food insecurity in Idaho.

Although most households in Idaho are food secure, work still needs to be done.  Factors that can increase the potential for food insecurity include limited access to nutritious foods and low income. 

In Idaho, 35 out of 44 counties are considered rural. The USDA’s Food Atlas shows areas in Idaho with low incomes or low access. Rural areas may also correspond to low access depending on circumstances, such as whether households have access to a vehicle and/or their proximity to a grocery store. This information is helpful as we fight for food security. 

An additional challenge that recently hit Idaho was the loss of a CACFP sponsor in all areas except Northern Idaho. Without a CACFP sponsor, home-based providers do not have the opportunity to participate in the food program, which provides reimbursement for food items served in child care settings. As a result, some facilities have been chosen to decrease the amount of nutritious food given to children in child care. Others have decided to ask parents to provide their lunches. 

What can we do to fight for food security?

  • Ensure families are aware of WIC, SNAP, the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, and the Summer Food Service Program opportunities.
  • Child Care facilities can apply for the Let’s Grow, Let’s Eat grant through IdahoSTARS. 
  • Grow a garden at your facility.
  • Share what we learn about gardening with families.
  • Learn more about the negative impacts of food insecurity by taking the IdahoSTARS online training Childhood Food Insecurity or Targeted Technical Assistance.
  • Start a food pantry at your facility for families to donate or take food as needed.

Benefits of Food Security

  • Healthy physical development such as muscles, bones and digestive tract
  • Healthy brain development
  • Stronger immunity