United Way of South Central Idaho and Chobani Join Forces to Combat Childhood Hunger

United Way of South Central Idaho and Chobani Join Forces

United Way of South Central Idaho has expressed its immense gratitude following a generous $50,000 grant provided by Chobani and Share Our Strength. This funding is part of the No Kid Hungry campaign, aimed at tackling childhood hunger across rural communities. The grant will allow the expansion of the Chobani Summer Program, increasing access to nutritious meal kits for families in need.

Expanding the Reach of the Summer Program

Thanks to this significant support, the current program in Twin Falls will be extended to nearby rural areas like Buhl and Jerome. The goal is to provide an additional 4,000 weekend meal kits and create family enrichment activities during the summer months when food security becomes critical for many households. With approximately 45% of residents in the Magic Valley living paycheck to paycheck, this initiative is essential for local families.

The funds will enable United Way to purchase, pack, and distribute these meal kits at various community distribution points, such as the Boys and Girls Club in Buhl and ICCU Park in Jerome. This collaboration not only aims to alleviate food insecurity but also focuses on enhancing the well-being of children and families throughout the region.

Kara Fort, President and CEO of United Way of South Central Idaho, emphasized the importance of this partnership by stating, "Chobani exemplifies the impact that collaboration between business and community can have in addressing significant societal challenges, particularly hunger. Their commitment, aligned with Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry initiative, allows us to extend this vital program to even more families facing difficulties this summer."

A Call to Action for Community Engagement

The Chobani Summer Program is set to run on Thursday and Friday afternoons until mid-August. Community members who wish to get involved through volunteering or donating to this enriching program can find more information at United Way's involvement page.

About No Kid Hungry

No Kid Hungry is dedicated to ensuring that no child in the United States faces hunger. They strive to end childhood hunger by improving and launching programs that guarantee all children access to healthy meals—an issue that can be tackled effectively with the right strategies and collaborations. As a campaign of Share Our Strength, they focus on the logistical end of food distribution and advocacy efforts to connect underserved families with nutritious food sources.

Chobani's Commitment to Community Well-being

Chobani, known for its mission to make wholesome food accessible, is a leader in the yogurt sector and has expanded into various food products such as oat milk and creamers. The company, founded by Hamdi Ulukaya in 2005, operates with core values centered on people and community well-being. Following its acquisition of La Colombe and Daily Harvest, Chobani continues to innovate while prioritizing nutritious solutions for consumers. Their pledge to use food as a force for good drives their philanthropic endeavors, reflecting a broader commitment to societal health.

United Way of South Central Idaho’s Ongoing Mission

The United Way of South Central Idaho is dedicated to empowering communities through initiatives that drive change in education, financial stability, and health. By mobilizing resources and forging stronger community ties, they work diligently to address pressing regional needs. Each day, the organization demonstrates the positive outcomes of collective community efforts, proving that together, we can make a difference.

For further details on United Way’s initiatives and support mechanisms for local families, please visit United Way South Central Idaho.