Great news for families in Eastern Idaho! The Summer Feeding Program, a vital initiative providing free lunches, started on Monday, June 16th, and will continue from Mondays to Fridays until Tuesday, August 19th. This program is FREE for all children 18 years and younger, ensuring that kids have access to meals even when school is not in session.
The program is made possible through the generous funding of United Way Eastern Idaho, and The Salvation Army. This collaboration highlights a shared commitment to supporting our community’s youth and addressing food insecurity during the summer months.
To receive a grab and go lunch, children must be present at one of the two convenient distribution locations:
- Happyville Farm
- 640 S Saturn Ave, Idaho Falls
- Monday - Friday: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- The Salvation Army
- 605 N Blvd, Idaho Falls
- Monday - Friday: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
“We are excited to partner once again with The Salvation Army to bring this essential program to the children of Eastern Idaho,” says Chris Wiersema, CEO of United Way Eastern Idaho. “Summer break shouldn’t mean a break from meals, and this program helps ensure that children in our community have full bellies and ready to enjoy their summer.”
The Summer Feeding Program is actively seeking volunteers to help with meal packing and distribution. If you can spare an hour and a half during the week and are eager to make a meaningful difference, we would love to have you volunteer!
For more information, contact Arial Howell at: ahowell@unitedwayif.org or 208-522-2674.
LIVE United Summer Concert Series
We are excited to announce our 12th season of the LIVE United Summer Concert Series. The concert series serves as a fundraiser for our POWER of $10 programs that support our Summer Feeding and Ready. Set. GO! children's food insecurity programs.
Our concerts are FREE, family-friendly and with lots of activities to keep the kids busy. We’ll have Food Trucks, and local craft beer available for all concert goers.
The first concert is next Thursday, July 17th, kicking off at 6pm with our annual Campaign Celebration and awards. Please make sure you get there early for good seats.
The Waterfront at Snake River Landing - 1220 Event Center Drive
This year we recognize the following volunteers and corporate partners for their commitment and investment in our work: Battelle Energy Alliance, Idaho Environmental Coalition, Teton Auto Group, PorterPro Media, Melinda Duffin and Sheralee Moore.
Again, this year we’ll have our STEAM tables set up for hand-on, take-home projects. STEAM unleashes curiosity and problem solving for children of all ages.
Our Ready. Set. READ! literacy program is a huge hit each year. Every child goes home with a new book, helping to build home libraries and encourage the love of reading and discovery over the summer months.
New this year is our KIDS ZONE with several outdoor activities to keep the kids engaged, making new friends and enjoying the outdoors.
And don’t forget our Community Engagement Project at each concert. Just bring an item on our wish list for the week and drop it in a bin located by the Ready. Set. READ! table.
- July 17, 2025 -Bring hygiene items to make kits for United Way’s Ready. Set. GO! Shampoo, conditioner, combs, soap, deodorant, body lotion, toothpaste and body wash.
- July 24, 2025 – Bring food items to donate to our Ready. Set. GO! Weekend Food Backpack program for students; granola bars, fruit snacks, individual cereal and oatmeal, applesauce pouches, individual mac ‘n cheese and ravioli.
- July 31, 2025 – Socks & underwear collection for Ready. Set. Go! Back to school clothing program to create equity in the classroom.
- August 7, 2025 – Bring school supplies for area children - Pencils, paper, pens, crayons, colored pencils, glue sticks, folders, composition folders.
- August 14, 2025– Children/adults can make cards to brighten the day of those in hospice care and those receiving Meals on Wheels food delivery.
- August 21, 2025 –Bring formula, diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, clothes, pacifiers, and all the things baby to donate and help struggling families in eastern Idaho.
We are looking for volunteers to help with the STEAM table and KIDS ZONE. If interested, please reach out to Arial Howell - ahowell@unitedwayif.org
Please remember NO outside alcohol allowed. And please, for the comfort of everyone, please leave your pets at home.
2025 Cornhole Tournament
Due to conflicts, our Cornhole tournament was rescheduled for September 13th, 2025. Our early bird discount is now valid through August 30th, for $20 off your team registration.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Summer Feeding Program is actively seeking volunteers to help with meal packing and distribution. If you can spare an hour and a half during the week and are eager to make a meaningful difference, we would love to have you volunteer!
We are also looking for volunteers to help with the STEAM table and KIDS Zone.
If interested in volunteering, contact Arial Howell at: ahowell@unitedwayif.org or 208-522-2674.