About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
VISION AND VALUES STATEMENTS
Vision Statement:
To be a determining force in the elimination of hunger and poverty in Kootenai County.
Values Statement:
Respect: We recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every person and treat all with equity and compassion.
Accountability: We honor the public’s trust by maintaining the highest standards of ethics and stewardship.
Integrity: We act with honesty, trust, and transparency, and deliver on our commitments.
Innovation: We strive to continuously improve our service to our clients and communities.
Collaboration: We collaborate to build strong relationships and partnerships with a diversity of people and organizations who share our vision of a healthy, hunger-free community.
Teamwork: We foster cooperation and a sense of empowerment amongst our staff, volunteers, and community partners.
Passion: We encourage and support the best in ourselves and those we serve and provide opportunities for everyone to participate in fulfilling our mission.
Our Story
History and overview of the Post Falls Food Bank (now known as 3rd Avenue Marketplace) and how it has evolved:
Early Origins
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Growth and Expansion
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Initially a small local food pantry, it steadily grew alongside community need. Over the years, it moved into a larger building at 415 E. Third Avenue and became a key resource in Kootenai County for food assistance.
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The food bank adopted innovative approaches to service: in 2016, it transitioned from handing out pre-packed baskets to a market-style system where guests choose their own food using a point system — giving dignity and choice to families and individuals.
Market Model & Services
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The organization operated like a small grocery market where registered guests “shop” using points each month. Fresh produce is offered with no point cost to encourage healthy choices.
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Beyond weekly food assistance, the food bank expanded services to include nutrition and cooking education, budgeting help, and resource navigation to connect people with other community and social services.
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The organization also ran a Weekend Nutrition Backpack Program to provide food packs to children who might otherwise go hungry on weekends.
Partnerships &
Community Role
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It became a hub in the regional food assistance network, supplying thousands of pounds of food to other food pantries and programs across North Idaho, collaborating with schools, nonprofits, and healthcare providers.
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As needs and demand grew, it supported expanded outreach like weekend backpacks coordinated with schools and counselors.
Transition to 3rd Avenue Marketplace
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In recent years (around 2024–2025), the Post Falls Food Bank underwent a name and facility transition — moving to a new location and rebranding as 3rd Avenue Marketplace to better reflect its expanded market-style services.
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This move gave the organization a larger space to serve more families, maintain dignity-centered food choices, and increase its outreach in Post Falls, Rathdrum, and surrounding areas.
Today’s Role
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Today, 3rd Avenue Marketplace continues the mission started back in the 1980s, focusing on food security, dignity, education, and community support, funded entirely through local donations and volunteer efforts.