Businesses come together to help fight hunger

Communities and businesses in Idaho Falls are coming together to fight hunger during the holidays. Places are partnered with the Idaho Falls Community Food Basket and some even offer perks for those who donate canned goods.

The Idaho Falls Public Library, Coco Beach Tanning and Shari’s are all doing their parts to contribute. The library’s food drive is called the “Giving Tree,” with its donation area located right when you walk in the building. Coco Beach is offering a dollar off of tanning services for each canned food you donate. Lastly, Shari’s is offering one piece of pie if you donate six canned food items.

“We’re always encouraged to get involved with the community. There was a great need inside of the community so we decided that this was worthwhile to get involved in,” said Rick Coverstone, Shari’s general manager.

Shari’s has done this collaboration for the past five years. The Idaho Falls Public Library is doing its eighth annual “Giving Tree” food drive, but this is the first year it’s partnering with the Food Basket.

“We like to help the community. And we have so many patrons who come to the library naturally for the books and everything that it’s a really easy place for them to drop off food. And then we get the help the food basket with that,” said Liza Evans, a programming specialist at the library.

In addition, Coco Beach got involved to help the community that helps its business.

“That the local Idaho Falls families and individuals would have the same benefit that we get as being a local business. So, what we decided to do is if you bring in a can we would give you a dollar off towards tanning service. Some people have taken advantage of it. Some people have just brought in food just to donate. But the main reason we did it is to keep it local,” said Beth Jaggar, who owns Coco Beach.

To get involved with the Idaho Falls Community Food Basket, visit http://www.Communityfoodbasketidahofalls.Org/