Tough economic times are felt by everyone, no matter their income, and the postpandemic challenges of rising inflation and fuel prices have led to increased demand across the state and necessitated the need for additional support to help Wyomingites facing food insecurity. By working together with partners, programs, donors, and volunteers, Food Bank of Wyoming plays an important role in distributing food and other necessities to our Hunger Relief Partners around the state to ensure anyone experiencing hunger receives the nourishing food they need to thrive. 

Food Bank of Wyoming covers the entire state by distributing food from its Natrona County distribution center. Food arrives at the center, then is distributed to 150 plus Hunger Relief Partners across 23 Wyoming counties, covering 97,000 square miles. As an essential component of the food distribution ecosystem, Food Bank of Wyoming’s process includes five integral parts that work together to nourish neighbors across Wyoming. 

Funding

Financial donations create an impact greater than any other form of support. In fact, 96 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to Food Bank of Wyoming’s food distribution. All donations made in Wyoming go to the work in Wyoming. Individual, private, and corporate donations as well as ongoing foundation support fuels operations to keep food distribution moving. Food Bank of Wyoming purchases food in bulk, which allows your dollar to go farther. In fact, as little as $1 helps distribute enough food for three meals. 

Food

Currently, Food Bank of Wyoming is spending over $121,000 a month to source food (triple the amount the organization was spending pre-COVID). Food comes from several places, including grocery rescue and donations. Grocery rescue keeps good food out of landfills and provides people with produce and nutritious food to fuel their bodies. Partnerships, such as with the University Wyoming Extension’s Cent$ible Nutrition program, also add to the inventory of food distributed. Check out the recent potato harvest, which yielded over 10,000 pounds of potatoes, which were delivered all across the state. Food Bank of Wyoming strives to prioritize fresh, local produce as part of its nutrition roster whenever possible.

Staff & Volunteers

Over 4,000 volunteers help sort and distribute food to Food Bank of Wyoming partners and programs. Both staff and volunteers work hard every day to organize and help with food distribution throughout the state. In addition, volunteers and staff pack boxes in the warehouse and help with mobile pantry distributions. Hunger Relief Partners Food Bank of Wyoming works with over 150 Hunger Relief Partners, like food pantries, soup kitchens, centers for older adults, and after school programs, to help distribute food directly to people in need. These Hunger Relief Partners operate in all 23 counties in Wyoming, ensuring anyone who faces hunger can access food near their location. 

Direct Programs

Food distribution also relies on direct programs such as Totes of Hope for kids, deliveries for homebound older adults, emergency relief, and more through Food Bank of Wyoming. Mobile Pantry programs also deliver food to 19 rural communities where access to brick-and-mortar food pantries are less accessible. 

Together with partners, volunteers, staff, and donors, Food Bank of Wyoming fights food insecurity in Wyoming by distributing millions of meals to people in need. The 2022 Wyoming Impact Report was just released, where you can see the impact of Food Bank of Wyoming’s efforts throughout the state. If you’d like to make your own impact and support food distribution across Wyoming, you can donate to Food Bank of Wyoming at wyomingfoodbank.org/donate, where every $1 stays in Wyoming and helps provide three meals to people facing hunger. 

“Soaring inflation is driving up the cost of basic necessities and forcing more people to seek food assistance. Inflation is also hitting Food Bank of Wyoming, with some staples costing as much as 70% more year over year. Indeed, for the first time in recent memory, $1 now only allows us to distribute enough food for three meals, not four — an enormous shift. Amidst these challenges that would have felt insurmountable a few years ago, we have been able to respond with more boldness and perseverance than we could have dreamed. And that is thanks to our dedicated supporters. We are grateful for the community support during challenging times,” said Rachel Bailey, Executive Director of Food Bank of Wyoming. 

Donate & Learn 

To donate and learn more about Food Bank of Wyoming, visit wyomingfoodbank.org. Food Bank of Wyoming is the largest hunger-relief organization in Wyoming and provides food and essentials directly to people facing hunger and through more than 150 Hunger Relief Partners across the state. We’ve put the power of community to work for our neighbors in need. We serve as the Wyoming Distribution Center of Food Bank of the Rockies, which is a proud member of the Feeding America network. Everything we do is fueled by the support of our community and donors, and every dollar raised in Wyoming stays in Wyoming.