Local resturant and charities step up to help federal workers and Idaho familes during shutdown
Maile Sipraseuth
Edited: Oct 28 5:29
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– With federal workers facing furloughs and food assistance programs halted for November, the southeast Idaho community is stepping up to help families in need.
One local restaurant is helping with free meals during this time of hardship. Himalayan Flavor in Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Logan, Utah, is offering assistance to those affected by the government shutdown by providing one free meal per day. All you need is an ID for verification.
“We are basically giving away free meals to the families who needs support. They do not have anything on their table to feed their family,” Roshan Kumar, owner of Himalayan Flavor, said.
Kumar said his inspiration to giving back to the community was after seeing the news of families, food banks and pantries struggle due to the government shutdown.
“I have been following the news every single day in the mornings. And I have been looking at how it’s getting very difficult for the food bank to keep up with the supplies. And I saw a lot of federal agencies are accepting donations and things like that. And I was like, how about we join the hand and help?” Kumar said.
He said this service is a way to give back to the community that has loved and trusted him all these years.
“They give me everything. Like the trust, the kindness, the support throughout the years,” Kumar said, “My journey started in Idaho. I came in 2011 as an international student. I graduated and I decided to stay here because I really love the community around here. Food I feel like is the most promising way where I can reflect the culture, and bring the best food for the people to try and serve the people who gave me everything.”
Kumar said he hopes to see other local restaurants do the same.
“It cannot just be a one person job. I just want to inspire more businesses and more people to come together. Let’s serve our community, give back to the community. Because I think this is a very crucial time for everybody and this will definitely bring a big change in the community,” Kumar said.
This is just one of several local efforts around the community to help. The Idaho Falls Community Food Basket and other local food banks are stepping in to provide food assistance. The Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership in Custer and Lemhi counties is expecting a surge in demand as the calendars turn to November.
To find food banks around Idaho, click HERE.