Hunger is on the rise in Idaho

Food insecurity in Idaho is on the rise. New data shows hunger in eastern Idaho is worse than last year.

The Salvation Army said it’s seen an increase in people needing help across the board, so seniors, people who don’t qualify for food stamps and even people who are working but still can’t make it through the month.

“It’s heartbreaking to see kids get excited about groceries,” said Ariel Jackson director of social services. “I see it a lot ‘We get all that food? All that food is for us?'”

Even with an economy that is improving, hunger in Idaho is growing. The hardest-hit counties are Madison with 21 percent, Lemhi at 19.7 percent, Shoshone with 19.5 percent and Adams at 19.1 percent.

“We’ve seen a crazy increase over the last, I’ve been here three years and every year there’s been an increase,” said Jackson.

In Bannock County, food insecurity worsened, going from 15.1 percent last year to 15.9 percent. That’s 12,500 people.

Bonneville County went from 13.3 percent to 13.4 percent, which is well over 13,000 people.

“We’ve shifted from maybe being an emergency food pantry for people who maybe needed food once or twice a year, to more of a supplemental pantry for people who are needing food every month,” Jackson said.

She said there is no shame in going to a food pantry.

“You don’t have to struggle and feel alone,” she said. “One less thing to worry about if we can provide a meal for a family. Maybe they can focus on paying their rent, maybe they can focus on how they’re going to get to work, because we’ve taken care of that one need.”