Generous Legacy Donation Boosts The Idaho Foodbank’s Efforts for the Future
As Idaho’s largest distributor of free food assistance, The Idaho Foodbank is often the first line of defense in combating hunger for Idaho residents. According to the non-profit organization Feeding America, over 100,000 Idahoans, including 40,000 children, suffer from food insecurity at any given time. However, a recent legacy donation will substantially bolster The Idaho Foodbank’s efforts to combat hunger in Idaho now and in the future.
Craig and Linn Dee Stein gifted the non-profit organization a $1,000,000 donation. The gift will go towards The Idaho Foodbank’s statewide efforts to distribute nutritious food to those in need through more than 440 partners across the state's 44 counties. The donation comes just in time, as fall and winter are often the hardest seasons for food-insecure families; heating costs go up, and children lack access to school lunches during holiday breaks.
Stein founded his company, Craig Stein Beverage, in 1990 with a small staff of fewer than 20 people. Today, Craig Stein Beverage has more than 1,200 employees across five states. “I have walked alongside The Foodbank for many years,” explained Stein. “This gift is to support their ability to meet a growing need for food assistance in Idaho today and even more so to build partnerships across industries to impact the root causes of hunger and help people live their best lives.”
Stein and his staff have been ardent supporters of The Idaho Foodbank and many other Idaho non-profit organizations since 2013. The Steins are ongoing donors and supporters of hunger relief programs across the Pacific Northwest, including The Idaho Foodbank’s children's programs, Mobile Pantry, and nutrition education.
Counties throughout the U.S., especially in Idaho, that suffer from food insecurity the most are primarily rural. Last year, The Idaho Foodbank helped feed an average of 48,514 seniors each month. The organization has emphasized refining its services to meet the growing needs of rural and marginalized communities. This donation will no doubt aid in those efforts. “This legacy gift is going to make a significant difference in the lives of people today and into the future,” said The Idaho Foodbank president and CEO Karen Vauk. “Craig’s ongoing partnership with The Idaho Foodbank has been amazing, through financial donations, volunteer time, and raising awareness of hunger in our communities.”
October is Idaho Hunger Awareness Month. The Idaho Foodbank marks it as “A time for all Idahoans to reflect on the challenges facing their neighbors and think about how we can make a positive difference and build a food-secure future for all Idahoans.” In addition to raising awareness, The Idaho Foodbank will also participate in the 2023 Summit on Hunger and Food Security, hosted by The Idaho Hunger Relief Task Force.
If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please go to The Idaho Foodbank’s Food Assistance Locator.