Food bank hoping "Last Minute Lewiston" comes through

Chuck Whitman prepares a turkey for distribution.

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Story Published: Nov 24, 2009 at 4:22 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 24, 2009 at 4:22 PM PDT

By Matt Loveless

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LEWISTON - Demand is up, donations are down. A mantra the Idaho Food Bank is getting used to just three days before Thanksgiving.

As was the case last year, money coming into the Idaho food Bank is down from the previous year. This year it is half of what they saw in 2008.

"Idaho Food Bank-wide, we're seeing maybe more in the number of donations, but there is a lot less money," said Lewiston Food Bank Director Chuck Whitman. "I've got several small businesses this year that just can't donate, and a lot of the outer areas are just dried up. It's just the way things are right now with the economy."

But that, and a 30 percent increase in demand, doesn't mean those in need will go without. Whitman said they're still planning on handing out 1,500 turkeys this Thanksgiving, and the same amount again in December.

"A lot of us have a joke about how Lewiston is "Last Minute Lewiston," so hopefully a lot of people watching this will go, 'hmm if I haven't donated I need to,'" said Whitman. "But no matter what, the agencies will get them, so the families can have them."

If you are in need of food for the holiday or want to donate, the Idaho Food Bank can be reached at (208) 746-2288.

Whitman said food banks across the state will be delivering 800,000 pounds of food to families this holiday season.

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