Chobani expands summer food program in Magic Valley

FILER, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Chobani is bringing back its summer food program for a second year, doubling its effort to provide meals to children who rely on school nutrition programs during the academic year.

The 12-week program will distribute more than 200,000 pounds of food and provide 96,000 meals to local families, roughly double what the program delivered in its first year.

“It is a 12-week program to be able to provide healthy and nutritious food to families in the Magic Valley, and we’re proud to say that this year we are doubling our initiative,” said Carla Flores, internal communications manager for the Twin Falls Chobani plant.

The program supplements meals children miss when school is not in session.

“The biggest thing about the Chobani Summer Program is that we are able to provide food for kids and for families to be able to supplement those missing school meals over the summer months,” Flores said.

Thursday’s event in Filer included more than 150 food bags filled with shelf-stable items, fruit, yogurt and Chobani Super Milk.

The program will continue through mid-August with weekly distributions in Filer, Jerome, Twin Falls and Shoshone. The largest distribution will be at Twin Falls City Park.

Community organizations have joined the effort, turning each event into a resource fair for families.

Idaho Complete Health is among the partners supporting the program.

“Our mission is to transform the health of the communities we serve one person at a time, and so what a great opportunity to be out here with all these families in the summertime, offering great activities and nutritious meals,” said Heidi Guess of Idaho Complete Health.

Flores said the program’s growth reflects both community need and strong local support. Chobani is seeking more volunteers and organizations to join the effort as the program continues to expand.

“It’s really just a celebration of the community and having all of these community partners come together to be able to help out children in our community,” Flores said.

Twin Falls (Friday) – 400 Shoshone St. E, Twin Falls, ID (12:00 p.m – 2:00 p.m)Jerome (Thursday) – 300 Main St., Jerome, ID (12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m)Filer (Thursday) – 310 Park Ave., Filer, ID (12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)Shoshone (Friday) – 512 N. Rail St. W, Shoshone, ID (12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)