Rexburg, ID
Release: July 30, 2021
For Immediate Release
Contacts:
Chloe Aponte, 208-356-0065, chloea@familycrisiscenter.info
Daniel Flores, 208-356-0065, danielf@familycrisiscenter.info
When the Family Crisis Center’s “food truck” — the fond name given to the yellow, 1994 box truck used to transport thousands of pounds of food donations each week — became inoperable, the task of finding a suitable replacement with a limited budget proved difficult.
After seven years of service — with failed brakes, falling wheels and a dead heating system in tow — the seemingly indestructible Family Crisis Center food truck became unusable.
A monumental solution came quietly and in a form the center could not have anticipated. The FCC’s Second Helpings Food Bank has helped meet food needs of Rexburg residents since 2012. When the center obtained the food truck, the program — previously made possible by volunteers driving their own vehicles to pick up donations — was able to begin collecting large donations from local grocers. Growing community partnerships, coupled with the community’s generosity, allowed the program to expand and meet the food needs of clients from Madison, Fremont, Clark and Jefferson counties.
However, after seven years of service — with failed brakes, falling wheels and a dead heating system in tow — the seemingly indestructible food truck became unusable. The community once again rallied with their generosity. Financial support came from anonymous individuals dropping off cash in envelopes and others who wished to donate their stimulus checks to support their local food bank. Such significant donations were a lifeline of hope during the unforgettably difficult year. Even still, the search for a vehicle was unsuccessful.
That was until one community member, friend and long-time supporter of the food bank (who wishes to remain anonymous) became aware of the center’s need. Within a few days they sent a picture of a brand-new box truck that met every requirement, except that it was well out of budget, and in Chicago. While thrilled at the prospect, the individual was made aware that the truck was over budget by more than two times the amount saved from community donations. They confidently guaranteed money and getting the truck from Chicago to Idaho would not be an issue.
Using their own funds, this quiet giver purchased a flight to Chicago, paid the difference to purchase the new truck and drove it over 1,400 miles back to Rexburg, Idaho. FCC staff expressed gratitude and feel privileged to witness the community’s generosity daily. The center’s food bank thrives because of people like this friend and so many others. Each food bank is staffed by over 25 volunteers made up of missionaries, premed students, BYU-Idaho students, weekly volunteers and so many others who have been committed to this work for years.
Local stores, including Walmart, Albertsons, Broulim’s, Mrs. Powell’s Bakery and Gator Jacks all donate to the center’s food bank. Walmart alone donates nearly 11,000 lbs. of food monthly, most of which is fresh produce food bank participants need. Albertsons provides annual holiday meals for the center’s clients and food bank participants. Romero’s smiling face at Albertsons receiving door has become a weekly favorite. Broulim’s recently collected contributions from customers in benefit of local food pantries and the center was presented with donations.
The new food truck provides more reliable transportation of food bank items for Family Crisis Center clients and residents of Madison County.
“Family Crisis Center would not function the way it does today without the generous involvement of our friends and neighbors. The community support offers wonderful opportunities to keep our work moving forward together and is sincerely appreciated, thank you," says Nahiomi Aponte, Family Crisis Center Co-director.
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