A Feel Good Friday surprise for a couple who started a lunch program for those in need

EastIdahoNews.com and Ashley Furniture HomeStore in Idaho Falls and Pocatello are partnering to honor people in our community for Feel Good Friday. Every week, we surprise someone deserving of special recognition.

We recently received a message about Dave and Bonnie Champagne. Since the COVID-19 pandemic started in March 2020, they have been working with Pastor Dawn from the First Christian Church in Idaho Falls to feed those in need. Here’s what the email said:

They decided to start up what is called Covid Relief Grab and Go Lunch. This is a totally nondenominational effort. Dave and Bonnie live very simply and this program is their passion and “mission.”

This is a totally free lunch served 3 times a week and breakfast on Saturday. There is no funding for these meals which are prepared totally from donations of food or money. They have a small army who pitch in to help prepare and serve these meals. We see new people coming in each day lunch is served.

There are a great many donations from Winco, Albertsons, Panera Bread and Prepped which help defray some of the costs and there are often full meals donated. One day a lady donated all of the food not used at her husband’s funeral which included ham, potatoes, salads and desserts to feed 100 people.

They feed everyone who comes and try to provide the best meals possible.

We decided to thank the Champagnes for their service and surprised them during lunch this week. Check out the video in the player above!