Hard times trigger run on El-Ada food bank

As gas prices continued to climb over the summer, so did the demand for food boxes at El-Ada Community Action Partnership.

However, as gas prices and demand increased, donations did not.

"Food is something needed all year round and it's only thought about at holidays," said Terri Cornford, the El-Ada Elmore County coordinator.

Cornford said six months ago the agency would give out 30-40 boxes of food a month. In August, the agency gave out 60 boxes, something she contributes to higher gas prices taking a bite out of people's grocery budget.

In May, after a strong food drive sponsored by the post office, the agency had so much food they had to buy extra shelves to store it. Since then, that food has gone from their shelves into the community at a fast rate.

"We've never gone through food so fast," Cornford said.

The agency helps low-income families meet their needs with food and employment, Cornford said. Families are eligible to receive a three-day supply of food once every 60 days and may pick up various items received from Albertson's bakery.

The agency also has a casual labor program that allows anyone looking for an extra hand for the day to be teamed up with a list of people looking for work.

El-Ada has two offices in Boise, one in Homedale, Mountain Home and a satellite office in Glenns Ferry.

Most of the food given out by Mountain Home office comes from donations or food drives sponsored by the community. With only one food drive left on the calendar this year and the holiday season quickly approaching, Cornford is a little worried about meeting the community demand without more donations.

"We're do what we can to make sure everyone gets a little," she said.

Cornford said she wants to ensure she gives out a decent amount of food per box and has already cut down from what was once a five-day supply of food.

Cornford would welcome any club, school or organization that would like to sponsor a food drive or donate holiday food items. These organizations, as well as individuals, can also sponsor a family for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

In addition to food, Cornford said El-Ada could also use donations of children's clothes.