Broncos Mobilize to Fight Hunger: Boise State Students Pack 100,000 Meals for Idaho Food Pantries

Hundreds of Boise State University students recently came together to pack an impressive 100,000 meals for dozens of Idaho food pantries, demonstrating the university's commitment to addressing food insecurity in the state. The annual "Feed the Funnel" event, organized by the school's accounting and finance honors society, Beta Alpha Psi, has become a staple in the Boise community, with volunteers working tirelessly to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.

Empowering Communities, One Meal at a Time

Tackling Food Insecurity in Idaho

According to data from Feeding America, a national hunger relief organization, more than 220,000 Idahoans were food insecure in 2022, which equates to roughly 11% of the state's population. This staggering statistic underscores the pressing need for initiatives like the "Feed the Funnel" event, which aims to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions to this pressing issue.The event, which took place at Boise State's ExtraMile Arena, saw hundreds of students volunteer their time and energy to pack the shelf-stable meals, which consist of beans, chili powder, rice, and a seasoning packet. These meals are designed to be easily prepared by simply adding hot water, making them accessible and convenient for those in need.

Fostering a Culture of Generosity and Community Engagement

Boise State University President Marlene Tromp expressed her pride in the students who participated, stating that the event "highlights what Broncos stand for." The university's commitment to community service and social responsibility is evident in the enthusiasm and dedication of the student volunteers, who took time out of their busy schedules to make a tangible difference in the lives of their fellow Idahoans."It's a testament to the extraordinary generosity of our students and their willingness to take time out of their busy schedules and to come down here," Tromp said. "We're very fortunate to have the kind of students that want to make a positive difference in people's lives."

Expanding the Reach and Impact of the "Feed the Funnel" Event

The event's organizer, Nick Lloyd, president of Beta Alpha Psi, expressed his hope that the "Feed the Funnel" event will continue to grow and have an even greater impact in the years to come. "It's something that we've been meaning to make it a staple in the voice community for a long time," he said, "and this is the first year that I feel like we really have the macro impact we wanted to have."The partnership between Beta Alpha Psi and the Arkansas-based nonprofit, The Pack Shack, has been instrumental in the event's success, with the society spending a year fundraising and coordinating the logistics to ensure the smooth running of the event.

Empowering Students to Make a Difference

For student volunteers like Samantha Linden, the "Feed the Funnel" event provides an opportunity to make a tangible difference in their community. "Making an event like this puts dinner on the table at home and helps people, even college students that might not have access to food on a regular basis," she said. "I think it's important because it shows how much … everyone can come together and really make a difference."The event's focus on addressing food insecurity aligns with Beta Alpha Psi's mission, as Lloyd explained, "Our mission as Beta has always been food insecurity, and so, this event was a direct target to beat that."The success of the "Feed the Funnel" event is a testament to the power of community engagement and the transformative impact that can be achieved when students, faculty, and community partners come together to address pressing social issues. As Boise State University continues to lead the way in fostering a culture of service and social responsibility, the "Feed the Funnel" event will undoubtedly continue to be a shining example of the university's commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need.