Boise community steps up with ‘generous’ support as SNAP benefits come to halt
Idaho organizations are stepping up to fill the food-security gap after President Donald Trump decided not to fund the nation’s largest anti-hunger program into November amid the government shutdown.
Idaho Foodbank spokesperson Theresa Vawter told the Idaho Statesman that it has received a “generous amount of donations and support” ahead of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits ending Saturday.
Vawter also said the food bank has seen an increase in people visiting the website’s local pantry locator.
“We really appreciate the community support, we didn’t even have to ask,” Vawter said. “Ninety-two percent of our funding is from philanthropy, that is the heart of how we are able to do this.”
She said that with the “social safety net” of SNAP benefits no longer there, donations and support are crucial, especially with the holiday season approaching.
The Boise Co-op Market donated $20,000 to the Idaho Foodbank this week, according to Tyler Schnur, the Co-op’s director of marketing.
“We are well aware that there are a lot of people that lean on it. We thought the easiest way to help would be to give back directly,” he said.
Schnur said the donation is expected to provide about 60,000 meals for Idahoans.
Co-op shoppers also have been eager to help, he said. The storefronts have bins set out to collect donated nonperishable items. Schnur said they’ve had shopping carts full of donations already.
“It’s great to see local businesses and people step up in a way, even if it’s a small way,” he said.
The Boise Farmers Market also is doing its part to help, according to a press release. On Saturday, the market along Shoreline Drive will provide SNAP recipients with $20 to use on eligible items, including meat, cheese, bread and vegetables. They will receive an additional $20 to use for fruits and vegetables from other local vendors, the release stated.
“It’s a win-win for local farmers and struggling Idaho SNAP families. Our farmers get paid, our neighbors are fed,” said Amber Beierle, the market’s executive director.
The organization said it has $2,000 in funds to support the initiative, and might continue the offer if there is additional support.
The Boise Farmers Market already accepts SNAP/EBT and offers a “Double Up Food Buck” program every Saturday from April through December.
In 2025, the market has distributed over $15,500 in redeemable SNAP tokens, and an additional $10,550 of Double Up Food Bucks specifically for fruits and vegetables, according to the organization.
“Feeding families farm-fresh, local goods isn’t controversial, it’s essential,” the farmers market said in the release.
Those interested in donating can go to the Shopper Assistance Fund website.
Vawter said the most important thing is for people to know where to find food and resources.
“With the government shutdown, there are people who may have not needed help before, like federal workers who are missing paychecks or those on SNAP who have never used the food bank before,” Vawter said. “We just want them to know that it is available.”
She also encouraged those who can donate or volunteer to reach out to their local pantry.
