More Idahoans are going hungry now than ever before, according to a new, once-every-four-years study released today by the Idaho Food Bank and "Feeding America," a national group. The numbers are up sharply - 142,200 Idahoans received emergency food last year, a 59 percent increase from 2006. "One of the messages we're sending to the Legislature is to increase the dialogue about the partnership between the non-profit charitable sector and the public system," said Karen Vauk, president and CEO of the Idaho Food Bank. "Neither of us can really do it on our own. ... We couldn't meet the need, there's no way."

The Food Bank released the report in a hearing room at the state Capitol today. Among its findings: Only 36 percent of households receiving food from emergency food banks are on food stamps; many said they had to choose between paying for food, heat, rent, or medical care; and Idaho currently has the second-fastest growing food stamp case load in the nation.