Beefing up Food Security: Bridging the Protein Gap for Idaho Families
Agricultural Issues
Audra Cochran
Extension Educator
University of Idaho
Orofino
Abstract
Food insecurity affects one in five residents in North Central Idaho, but protein makes up only 16% of the local foodbank’s supply and beef less than 3%. To address this gap, University of Idaho (UI) Extension partnered with Beef Counts, the Idaho Foodbank, and local cattle producers to increase beef availability for food-insecure families.
UI Extension educators from Clearwater, Latah, and Idaho counties coordinated a beef labeling event at the Idaho Foodbank in Lewiston in conjunction with Beef Counts. Agri Beef Co. donated a pallet of two-pound ground beef chubs, which UI Extension, Student Idaho Cattle Association members, local producers, and foodbank personnel labeled for distribution. Additionally, UI Extension collaborated with the UI Beef 101 Beginning Rancher program to donate beef from two carcass fabrication classes. Local ranchers learned hands-on fabrication skills while contributing directly to food security. A fundraising initiative with a local restaurant and the foodbank raised $560 to further support beef procurement.
Through these efforts, the North Central Idaho Foodbank received 2,987 pounds of beef, providing meals for 1,494 families. The fundraising initiative contributed to an estimated 1,680 additional beef-based meals. The initiative also raised awareness about the importance of beef protein in food security through media coverage.
Looking ahead, UI Extension and its partners aim to expand the program by increasing community engagement, strengthening collaborations with local cattle associations, and securing additional funding to sustain and grow beef donations. Beef Counts continues to serve as a catalyst for addressing food insecurity and ensuring more Idaho families have access to nutritious protein.
Authors: Audra Cochran, Meranda Small, Jessie Van Buren
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Audra Cochran Extension Educator, University of Idaho Extension, Clearwater County, Idaho, 83544
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Meranda Small Extension Educator, University of Idaho Extension, Idaho County, Idaho, 83530
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Jessie Van Buren Extension Educator, University of Idaho Extension, Latah County, Idaho, 83843