• USDA eliminates Covid-era funds

 

By Trina Dennis Brittain
Rocket Miner
Via- Wyoming News Exchange

ROCK SPRINGS — Despite a $535,000 grant cut, the Food Bank of Wyoming is more determined than ever to fight the severity of food insecurity in the Cowboy State.

A grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that allowed the Food Bank of Wyoming to buy fresh food directly from local suppliers to help fight food insecurities has been terminated.

A state official from the Department of Family Services recently notified Food Bank of Wyoming Executive Director Jill Stillwagon about the USDA’s decision to end the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program for this year. The LFS was part of a pandemic-era program.

According to the USDA’s website, with 16 robust nutrition programs in place, USDA remains focused on its core mission: strengthening food security, supporting agricultural markets and ensuring access to nutritious food.

The agency noted that “unlike the Biden Administration, which funneled billions in CCC (Commodity Credit Corporation) funds into short-term programs with no plan for longevity, USDA is prioritizing stable, proven solutions that deliver lasting impact.”

“The COVID era is over — USDA’s approach to nutrition programs will reflect that reality moving forward,” the USDA stated on its website.

 

Moving forward

According to Stillwagon, the Food Bank of Wyoming first received about $551,000 from the program in 2023. She explained the program sends money to the state, which then reimburses the food bank for its purchases. She said their current grant funding will run out by July. The $535,000 expected for the next fiscal year will not be available.

Stillwagon said she has seen the effect hunger has on communities for the past three years and how access to fresh, nutritious food makes a positive difference in people’s lives. She noted the Food Bank of Wyoming has been responding to the highest level of food insecurity in Wyoming for the past decade. 

While the recent news of the cut may be concerning, Stillwagon remains optimistic.

“Of course, anytime there’s an elimination or adjustments to funds, we’re worried, but our mission hasn’t changed,” she said, adding the public can still get food from the drive-up mobile pantry food distributions in Rock Springs and other communities. “We’ll keep showing up every month, and we’re going to nourish people facing hunger.”

She expressed gratitude for the numerous relationships with the last round of producers, ranchers and growers over the past few years, especially the volunteers and Debra Orr, manager of the White Mountain Mall.

“It’s a great program and I’m thankful that we’re able to help people,” she said. “I hope more people will volunteer and continue to support their local farmers.”

She also said the Food Bank of Wyoming will continue reaching out to donors and encouraging them to make a gift.

“Every dollar donated to the food bank will help us provide enough food for three meals,” she said. “No matter what’s going on now, our goal is still the same — we will keep nourishing people who are experiencing food insecurity in Wyoming.”

According to Stillwagon, about one in seven adults and one in five children is considered food insecure in Wyoming.

 

Making a difference

Rock Springs resident Ken Lorimer is a volunteer for the Food Bank of Wyoming. He said several people have expressed their concerns about the grant cut and what it could mean to those who struggle with food insecurity in Sweetwater County.

“Our Local Mobile Food Pantry program is well supported by dedicated volunteers and White Mountain Mall,” Lorimer said. “As long as the Food Bank of Wyoming can continue providing groceries for the program, I will continue to volunteer.”

He added the program benefits the community, largely through the efforts of its volunteers.

“I hope we can keep it running,” he said. “The local program shines brightly as a sign of what a wonderful community we have here in Sweetwater County.”

He said Western Wyoming Community College and the Rock Springs High School have food pantries for their students, and the Wyoming Food Bank is a contributor to both.

“Our ultimate goal is to make sure that no one in Wyoming is going hungry,” he said. “Even though this program will not be continuing beyond July, the food bank is still really committed to our mission, which is making sure that everyone in Wyoming has access to nutritious and healthy foods to eat.”

Donation and volunteer information can be found at the Food Bank of Wyoming’s website.