Diane Hensman, representing Backpack Blessings of Powell, was honored by Wyoming first lady Jennie Gordon, for serving as a food buyer for the local program for many years. 

The recognition by the first lady’s Wyoming Hunger Initiative took place at a northern regional summit and celebration of volunteers in Cody recently.

Hensman is a member of the board of directors for the Backpack Blessings program that provides weekend meals for many Powell/Clark elementary school kids. 

Sharon Earhart, president of the board said, “Diane has served on the board since 2018 and has served as the food buyer for many years. Diane is responsible for shopping for and purchasing all the food items, then stocking the store room. This is a tremendous job and consumes many hours each week”.

All food items are purchased with money donated from the Powell community, and the program is supported by many other local volunteers who pack the students’ bags with the food items for six weekend meals and deliver them to the four elementary schools in Powell and Clark.

The Hunger Initiative was launched in 2019 to be in all  23 Wyoming counties. Aiming to increase awareness and support for the work of local anti-hunger organizations statewide became the goal. 

“Through the relationships that have been developed across the state specific to food insecurity, Wyoming Hunger Initiative has identified partners in every community which has resulted in opportunities to network, share resources, and collaborate,” the first lady said.