Each of the food pantries in Lincoln County has received funding from the Wyoming Hunger Initiative to replenish their pantries, helping their communities. PHOTO COURTESY/ OFFICE OF FIRST LADY JENNIE GORDON

In a significant effort to combat food insecurity across Wyoming, First Lady Jennie Gordon’s Wyoming Hunger Initiative, in partnership with the John P. Ellbogen Foundation, has allocated $120,000 to support hunger relief nonprofits in all 23 counties. This funding aims to address the rising costs of food and the increasing demand for resources that have made it challenging for anti-hunger organizations to maintain adequate supplies, particularly of fresh produce and protein.

“It’s important to us that we allocate resources where they will have the greatest impact, as quickly as possible to meet the need,” stated First Lady Gordon. Her sentiment was echoed by Mary Garland, President of the John P. Ellbogen Foundation, who expressed gratitude for the collaboration, noting, “We are so thankful for this partnership and for the many organizations working to meet one of the most fundamental needs in communities throughout Wyoming.”

Additionally, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming contributed 10,000specificallyforseniorcenters,bringingthetotalfundingto120,000. The Wyoming Hunger Initiative continues to work closely with local organizations to ensure that needs are effectively communicated and met. Launched in October 2019, the initiative addresses food insecurity affecting approximately 83,000 residents statewide.

Andrea Buchard from the Alpine Food Bank remarked on the impact of this funding: “We greatly appreciate the continuous support we receive from the Wyoming Hunger Initiative. Our numbers at the Alpine Food Bank have doubled in the last year, and this donation will help us continue to fight food insecurity in our community. We’re very fortunate to have so much support in our efforts to keep our shelves stocked with a good selection of nutritious food.”

Julie Buckley with the Thayne Community Food Bank shared how the funds they received from this grant and others have helped improve their local garden beds, allowing them to produce fresh produce that people can pick up just a few hours after harvest. “We are starting a second community garden in Thayne. Both of these gardens provide food directly to the food bank,” she noted. “Our patrons are thrilled to have fresh produce that is literally cut that morning and gets to them within hours.”

Sierra Mitchell, owner of the Afton Food Pantry, expressed her gratitude for the support, stating, “This money is directly intended for grocery replenishment,” emphasizing the pantry’s focus on providing fresh fruits and vegetables during the busy summer months. Mitchell noted a consistent influx of new clients, sharing, “Last night, we averaged three new people who had never been to us before.”

The Afton Food Pantry has benefited significantly from the Wyoming Hunger Initiative over the past five years, becoming its largest donor. This support has enabled the pantry to replenish food supplies and secure infrastructure grants for essential equipment upgrades.

Highlighting community involvement, Mitchell mentioned the success of programs like “Food from the Field,” which allows hunters to donate game meat: “Seeing the youth donate an animal and knowing it can make a direct impact is really cool.”

As the Wyoming Hunger Initiative continues its efforts, local leaders remain optimistic about addressing food insecurity in the state. Mitchell concluded, “We’re just really thankful for the support.”