Drive up for free food at the Ford Idaho Center in March, part of pandemic aid

The Idaho Foodbank, in coordination with the USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, has been sponsoring community food distributions to help those struggling to keep the fridge and pantry stocked during the pandemic.

The next opportunity to pick up a free box of food is Wednesday, March 9 at the Ford Idaho Center, 16114 N. Idaho Center Blvd., Nampa.

The drive-thru distribution will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until the food runs out.

There is no need to get out of your car. Just follow the signs/flaggers to the site where volunteers will hand out the food boxes, which contain an assortment of produce and both nonperishable and perishable items.

You don’t have to meet certain requirements to collect a box. Those who show up for the assistance will be asked only their household size and city/ZIP code for tracking purposes.

For those interested in volunteering, go to signup.com/go/gQFLvqn. Help is needed loading boxes, handling traffic control and taking the information of those collecting a box.

To keep up to date on other community food distributions in your area, go to idahofoodbank.org/getfood.

Volunteer opportunities at mining museum

If you love rocks, minerals and Idaho mining history, then you’ll dig the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology in East Boise.

Enthusiastic and friendly volunteers are needed to help with tasks at the museum.

Tour the museum and find out what it’s all about at an orientation scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 12 at the museum, 2455 Old Penitentiary Road.

The museum opens for the season April 2 and operates from noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays, with last admission at 4:30 p.m. The museum may add back more days. Check idahomuseum.org for updates.

For questions, email operations@idahomuseum.org or call 208-283-3186 and leave a message.