Farmer's Fundraiser

 Teaching kids to do what Albertson’s does for a very good cause. The Idaho Preferred fundraiser experienced another great year in 2009, with 41 schools from Sandpoint to Rigby to Fruitland participating in this one-of-a-kind fundraising opportunity.  Schools statewide sold more than 5,800 items—raising nearly $25,000 for Idaho schools and generating nearly $29,000 in sales for Idaho producers.  An alternative to traditional fundraising programs, the Idaho Preferred fundraiser offers nutritious products all grown and processed here in the Gem State.  Through this program, the fundraiser helps Idaho schoolchildren experience agriculture firsthand while directly supporting Idaho farmers and producers.  The fundraiser is an opportunity to teach kids the importance of supporting Idaho growers to keep agriculture thriving in Idaho. Here’s Kim Peterson of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, who manages the fundraising program: “We buy products at a wholesale price, from farmers and vendors around the state, and the kids sell them for an increased price. They receive about a $4 profit on each item, so it’s just a unique program where we’re helping the local community as well as the local schools raise funds for their various programs.”

Kim says this fundraising program is one of the largest and most progressive in the nation.