Blaine County Hunger Coalition Inc.

“The organization bylaws were amended. A copy is attached.”

“The finance committee reviews the annual form 990 with the executive director. Once approved by the finance committee, it is sent out for review by all of the board members for questions, comments and general review.”

“If any conflicts of interest were to occur, the policy would be strictly enforced.”

“The executive director's compensation is reviewed annually by the executive committee of the board and increases are approved by the entire board. The 2013 compensation guide published by guide star was used to determine an appropriate salary for the executive director. In addition, form 990's of other local non-profit organizations were also reviewed to determine the executive director's salary.”

“The organization makes its governing documents available to the public upon request and on our webstite.”

“The blaine county hunger coalition strives to end hunger in our community by providing wholesome food to those in need and by promoting solutions to the underlying causes of hunger through collaboration, education and advocacy.”

“Volunteer duties include pick up and distribution of food; collation, pick up and distribution of snack packs and snacks; support for off site programs; assistance in the garden; office administrative assistance; support for mass mailings; support for events.”

“Food for our food truck, bringing fresh vegetables to low-income seniors and food insecure neighborhoods. During the summer months, we ran a mobile market in bellevue, hailey and carey, serving an average of 19 people weekly. Bloom youth project: teens with promise manage food production at bloom community farm and feed food insecure neighborhoods through our discounted mobile markets. During the reporting period, 10 interns graduated from this 7-month program and we hired another 10 for a second series. Bloom truck: bloom truck is a mobile lunch and library in partnership with the community library that provides free food, fun, and reading for children in isolated pockets of blaine county, effectively stranded from the same opportunities as their peers. We served nearly 5,000 healthy lunches to 276 children from carey to north of ketchum. Food production: our harvest ends up on the plates of our food insecure neighbors through the programs described above or in our food pantry and children's food programs. Along with our traditional food assistance programs at the food pantry, these more self-sustaining models create a comprehensive approach to food insecurity in blaine county. As we empower new populations of food insecure families, we can also graduate other families out of our food bank lines and into programs that better address their long term health related goals.”

“Daily bites: through daily bites, we provide supplemental nutritious food pantries in schools, after school programs, and summer camps. During the reporting period, we provided supplemental nutrition to 1,446 children to keep them fed, active and engaged at school. Infant formula initiative: providing essential nutrition for babies during the first year of their life is key to the building blocks of childhood. Through the generosity of our community, we were able to ensure 100% of the mothers who reached out to us had access to the nutrition their babies need.”

“And sorted 20,656 pounds of goods brought to us from community food drives. Altogether, we distributed over 245,650 pounds of fresh and non-perishable foods through the food pantry. Our participant support services ensured our families felt part of a compassionate and caring community. The families who came to us received the vital nutrition they needed and were connected to community resources to help them succeed despite their circumstances. Until all of the people of blaine county can enjoy affordable housing, healthcare, and a livable wage, the need for universal food access will persist. While we're working hard to transform the solution so people can graduate from our food bank lines to a more self-determined alternative at our farm and garden, systemic problems continue to stifle local people. We truly believe our community will be free of hunger someday, but this is a long-term ambition and the continued support of our community is the only way this dream will ever be realized.”

“Cooking and nutrition education & other various progams: the people who access our food support services are especially vulnerable when it comes to health and wellness. The stress from scarcity inevitably clouds self-care and makes it impossible to afford and maintain a healthy lifestyle. One of our primary goals for the reporting period was to engage up to 75 youth and adults in comprehensive nutrition education that will improve long-term health through nutritious, affordable eating. We far exceed this goal, engaging 200 youth and adults in nutrition education through cooking matters classes, nutrition lessons with student groups at bloom community farm, and bloom youth project workshops.”