IDAHO FALLS – The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce and Elevation Labs recently announced their second annual Hope Lunch Campaign. The Hope Lunch Campaign asks businesses and individuals to support the Community Food Basket of Idaho Falls by donating the cost of individual or staff lunches.
The Hope Lunch effort began last year when the COVID-19 pandemic made it necessary for the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce to cancel their monthly Out of the Box networking lunches. Businesses and individuals were challenged to donate the cost of their lunches as a Hope Lunch and the response was phenomenal. With very little time left before the holidays, the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce and Elevation Labs set a goal of $15,000. Thanks to the generosity of individuals and businesses across East Idaho, in just a few weeks they were able to raise $14,000.
Although no monthly lunch events will be cancelled this year, the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce and Elevation Labs are excited to launch the second annual Hope Lunch Campaign. Chip Schwarze, President and CEO of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, aims to raise $15,000 again this year. “I would love to see businesses rally together to help. Families are the future of our community, and their children will be working in our businesses. When we help others, we lift everyone. May we be generous this year, and bless the lives of many,” says Schwarze.
The Community Food Basket of Idaho Falls is designed to meet the emergency needs of families and individuals facing food insecurity. Currently, the food basket serves over 850 families each month. 42% of their clients are under the age of 18, and 72% of those are under the age of 13. Ariel Jackson, Executive Director of the Community Food Basket of Idaho Falls, explains why monetary donations are vital to the food basket, “We can turn every $1 donated into $4.80 worth of food.”
To donate to the Hope Lunch Campaign with a debit or credit card please visit the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce website, www.idahofallschamber.com, and go to the Hope Lunch page. You can also donate with cash or check in person or by mail.