Fort Hall Recreation receives $5,000 donation from Hunger Free Idaho for turkey distribution
Juan Rodriguez, Recreation manager (left), and staff distribute turkeys at the Old Casino building.
By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Thanks to a $5,000 contribution from Hunger Free Idaho, Fort Hall Recreation manager Juan Rodriguez said they were able to distribute 400 turkeys to the Fort Hall community November 20 and 24.
Dawn Pierce, Idaho Hunger Relief Task Force Board president, was key in making the donation.
Rodriguez said after the recent Tribal supervisors meeting, interim Fish and Game manager Tom Wadsworth reminded him of a core principle the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes possess, “helping each other out in difficult times, especially those who need the help.” He said that message stayed with him and after reflecting on it, Juan decided to take action.
Rodriguez said he recognized the impact of the government shutdown especially those who rely on SNAP or food stamps, which at the time, weren’t being distributed for November. He reached out to several businesses that Recreation partnered with in the past. His original goal was to organize a community dinner, but the idea evolved into providing Thanksgiving boxes. But many of the items are distributed through the food distribution and Commodities program that already include essential for a Thanksgiving meal.
He gave special thanks to Colista Matsaw and Lloyd George from the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel for helping them find the best deal on turkeys from Winco. He also thanked Sam Edmo and Carlos Broncho and the dedicated Recreation staff for helping unload and distribute them.
“This effort is a reflection of our tribal values and community mindset in action – supporting one another, especially when times are tough,” Rodriguez continued. “I’m proud of a community that shows up for those who are need of help.”
