BOISE — Taxpayers will again be able to use the 2012 Idaho State Income Tax Form to donate to the Idaho Food Bank Fund.

     The Fund is accessed by non-profit food providers throughout the state and is used for emergency food purchases, assistance to expand capacities and funding for a variety of hunger-relief services and programs.

     The Idaho Food Bank Fund’s third year was its most successful ever. In 2012, taxpayers’ generosity on their 2011 returns allowed the fund’s executive committee to distribute 30 grants worth $99,912.71, which is up from $90,978.04 in 2011. In 2010, the total was $78,100.

     In 2012, the Fort Hall Food Bank was awarded a grant, as well as the emergency shelter in Pocatello.

    The Idaho Food Bank Fund was established by the 2009 Legislature as a cooperative effort between three statewide non-profit organizations: The Idaho Foodbank, Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho and Catholic Charities of Idaho. The donation opportunity was first on the 2009 Idaho State Income Tax Form 40, which allowed taxpayers to designate a dollar amount for the fund.

     The Idaho Food Bank Fund will accept the next round of grant applications July 1- July 31, 2013.

    To learn more about the fund visit http://idahofoodbankfund.org/.