Idaho Falls Launched Seventh Regional Food Drive
The annual initiative seeks to collect 100,000 pounds of shelf-stable food for regional pantries.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Do you plan to donate to local food drives to help families facing rising living costs?
The seventh annual Regional Food Drive has launched in Idaho Falls with a goal of collecting 100,000 pounds of food. Donations will support the Community Food Basket and 30 smaller local pantries.
Why it matters
The drive addresses a growing need for food assistance in the Idaho Falls area as rising costs for essentials like rent and gas strain family budgets. Donations collected during the month typically sustain these organizations until March.
The drive aims to gather 100,000 pounds of shelf-stable items, marking the seventh consecutive year for the event. This total supports a network of 30 regional food pantries alongside the Community Food Basket.
The players
Community Food Basket
This organization operates as the primary hub for the food drive and allows clients to select their own groceries.
Idaho National Laboratory
The laboratory is a major research institution and is one of the organizations providing volunteers for the current food drive.
Boy Scouts of America
This national youth organization is participating in the regional effort by providing volunteers to help sort and inspect donations.
JustServe
This platform connects volunteers with community service projects and is involved in organizing this food drive.
The details
Volunteers from organizations including JustServe, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Idaho National Laboratory are managing the drive. Barrels for donations of items like cereal, canned meat, and pasta are placed at Broulim's, three Albertson's locations, and Sam's Club.
Timeline
The first regional food drive occurred in 2020.
The seventh annual Regional Food Drive takes place throughout October 2026.
Volunteers assist shoppers at collection locations every Friday and Saturday in October.
Donations gathered during the drive typically last until March.
Market Landscape
This year's drive maintains the structural framework established by the 2020 inception of the regional food drive. It represents an ongoing effort by local organizations to meet consistent regional demand through established donation channels.
Residents can contribute shelf-stable goods like canned meat, rice, and soup at designated grocery store barrels. Volunteers are available to assist shoppers on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the month.
The takeaway
To ensure donations are useful, focus on shelf-stable goods like cereal and canned vegetables rather than perishable items. These collective contributions provide critical support for local families through the winter months.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by visiting the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Idaho Press.
Live Poll
Do you plan to donate to local food drives to help families facing rising living costs?
