One out of nine Idahoans experience food insecurity according to the Idaho Foodbank. The nonprofit strives to feed, educate and advocate for people experiencing hunger in Idaho. In support of the food bank, local musicians are coming together to raise money to fight hunger in an upcoming music festival.
The 3rd Annual Idaho Foodbank Music Festival is Saturday at Lookout Point in Pocatello. The headliners include The Aaron Ball Band, an international touring and award-winning group; Paige Anne, from American Idol; and Layne Bowen, a Pocatello Native.
The family-friendly music festival is free, but donations to the food bank are encouraged. Their goal is to raise over $7,000 and surpass the proceeds from last year.
“What's really good about it is we bring in different artists to perform. And 100% of the donations go not only to the Idaho Foodbank, but they go to the local chapter of the Idaho Foodbank," said Jared Smith, Aaron Ball Band's drummer. "So, people that donate know that not only does that feed actual Idahoans, but it feeds people in the community that you see every day.”
The Idaho Foodbank provides individuals and families with food security at no cost and works to provide services to rural counties while collaborating with healthcare providers and community leaders to find solutions to improve community health. They provide food to community kitchens where people can receive free meals and work with schools to feed children on weekends. They rely on donations.
Donations can be made at idahofoodbank.org or on the Aaron Ball Band Facebook page.
“As much as we love to travel, we love to try to help people out. We're just grateful that we get the opportunity to help people,” Smith said. “All the artists are just honored to be able to put their art out there, bring people in and hopefully the people feel moved to donate whatever they have, you know, whatever they feel comfortable donating.”
Reservations are encouraged, but not required. They can be made at bandsintown.com under the Aaron Ball Band.