The Hunger Coalition will sponsor opportunities throughout the month to inform the Wood River Valley community about how hunger is affecting local individuals and families. Hunger Coalition Executive Director Jeanne Liston said there is simply not enough to make ends meet for too many Blaine County residents. Tough decisions are being made daily about whether or not to buy groceries or pay the rent. The Hunger Coalition hopes everyone will make an effort in October to get involved, support their neighbors in need and help create a whole and healthy community.
Boulder Mountain Clayworks will hold bowl-making events open and free to the public today and on Friday, Nov. 5, and Saturday, Nov. 20. Bowls will be sold at a benefit for the Hunger Coalition at Boulder Mountain Clayworks in Ketchum on Sunday, Jan 16.
"We have done this for 11 years, sending bowls to the Idaho Food Bank," said Clayworks owner Susan Ward. "This year we will keep it local."
Ward said this is a perfect fit to promote clay and the creative experience. It fits one of Boulder Mountain Clayworks' many goals for the community.
"It allows the creative experience to give back," she said. "It's a chance to think about how we put food on the table."
Ward said Clayworks hopes to make 200 bowls and 99 cents from the sale of each bowl will go to the Hunger Coalition. Boulder Mountain Clayworks is located in the Tenth Street light industrial area behind Power Lumber on Tenth Street in Ketchum.
The coalition chose Thursday, Oct. 21, as Fast for Hunger Day. Family and friends can skip a meal or fast for the entire day to experience what it is like to go hungry and not have enough to eat. In addition, any advocates who want to help end hunger in Blaine County can donate the money they would have spent on food for one meal or the whole day.
Another date in October to help the Hunger Coalition is Dine Out Blaine County on Friday, Oct. 22. People can join friends and family at valley restaurants for lunch or dinner. Participating restaurants are donating a portion of their proceeds to help fight hunger. For a list of participating businesses, visit www.thehungercoalition.org.
Coins for Kids is another program offered in October that presents a donation opportunity for the entire community. People can look for hand-decorated donation jars at businesses and retail stores throughout the Wood River Valley and deposit spare change. When gathered up at the end of the month, these collections of nickels, quarters and dollar bills could add up to a sizable donation for the Hunger Coalition. Liston said the coalition can turn $10 into $100 worth of food through buying partnerships such as the Idaho Food Bank; loose change can make a difference.
In addition, anyone can donate food anytime to the yellow barrels located at local grocery stores. The Hunger Coalition encourages food drives or collecting funds within community businesses, book clubs, churches or neighborhoods.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
