The Middleton Food Bank has been a cornerstone for local families for over 50 years. Founded in 1972 by Pat and Hugo Sayre, it started in a church basement. Now, it operates from just two storage lockers behind Dollar Tree on Main Street. Despite this downsizing, the mission remains clear: to provide food for those in need.
Joseph Dumoulin has dedicated 20 years to the food bank, serving as Executive Director for the last nine. He coordinates donations from schools, Ridley’s grocery store, and organizes an annual yard sale to keep things running. He knows firsthand the challenges posed by rising expenses and limited financial support. The food bank incurs around $2,400 a year just for storage and utilities.
On average, the food bank supports about 250 families each month. Volunteers like Beverly see the struggles of the community. “There are many seniors and young families having a tough time,” she says. Grocery prices are climbing, while paychecks don’t stretch as far as they used to.
A recent survey by the Food Research and Action Center found that food insecurity has increased by 10% in the last year. This trend echoes what volunteers are experiencing. Beverly points out, “Sometimes, supplies can get pretty low.”
Dumoulin emphasizes the urgent need for more space and community support to keep serving those in need. “We hang in there every year,” he states optimistically.
Even in tough conditions—be it sweltering summers or snowy winters—these volunteers stay committed to their mission. They are tackling a growing crisis and hope the community will rally around them more than ever.
For further insight on food insecurity in America, check out the USDA’s latest report here.
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Canyon County,Food Bank,Idaho,Middleton
