Menu
There’s no way to overstate how exceptional this past year was for Food Bank of Wyoming and our 150+ Hunger Relief Partners. The need for food assistance in our area is higher right now than it has been in 10 years, and we saw a 25% increase in the amount of food we distributed to neighbors across Wyoming experiencing hunger. What that looked like in practice involved distributing 12 million pounds of food — the equivalent of more than 10 million meals; that’s an average of more than 28,000 meals daily.
We were able to accomplish all of this in fiscal year 2024 thanks to gifts from supporters like you and the hard, dedicated work of our partners, staff, and volunteers. In fact, last year, volunteers donated over 18,700 hours. That’s equivalent to nine full-time employees and 59% more hours than the previous year!
Currently, one in seven people are food insecure in Wyoming, including one in five kids. While the causes of food insecurity vary from person to person, the common impact remains: hunger affects every aspect of a person’s life. Knowing that good food is essential for a good life, we are doing everything in our power to meet the need and continue the hallmarks of our mission: distributing fresh produce, serving as many community members as possible, and listening and responding to community needs.
For three years, I have personally traversed our great state, visiting with community members, partners, elected officials, donors, and people from all walks of life. I have seen firsthand the effect hunger has on communities and how access to nutrient-rich food makes such a difference in people’s lives. I am so appreciative of each of you for your partnership, support, and continued belief in our work.
As we head into this new fiscal year, we will continue to answer the challenge of hunger together knowing that the work we do is essential for our communities to thrive. Although we’re in difficult times, I know we will navigate this with determination and ingenuity to nourish people facing hunger.
With gratitude,
Jill Stillwagon
Executive Director
At our monthly mobile pantry in Pinedale, people start to line up for the food distribution hours before it begins. Shirleena is one of them. A few years ago, her husband fell off of a roof while working as a general laborer and broke his back, leaving him unable to work long days or as hard of jobs. Shirleena used to work three part-time jobs, but recently retired.
“We appreciate Food Bank of Wyoming so much. We couldn’t make it without you,” Shirleena shared. “It helps so tremendously.”
Julian Land & Livestock Ranch recently partnered with Food Bank of Wyoming through the Local Food Purchasing Agreement grant. The ranch has 10,000 head of sheep and operates mostly through large-scale sales to feed lots, but including local distributions of the protein means a lot to fifth-generation rancher Marie McClaren.
“I like the opportunity to keep the meat local and feed Wyomingites, and really love the concept of nourishing local community members,” she shared. “This partnership brings me joy knowing I’m helping someone.”
Our fiscal year 2024 audited financial reports will be available online in early 2024. To access financial reports from recent years and our upcoming FY24 report, please visit: wyomingfoodbank.org/about/financials
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Rawlins, a Hunger Relief Partner of Food Bank of Wyoming, packs tailored boxes of food and other necessities for community members. In a typical month, the pantry serves around 330 people.
“Our volunteers build the food baskets according to what each caller needs,” explained Mary Kay Albrechtson, the food pantry’s coordinator. “I have a fondness for kids so I always want to make sure we have lots of juice, cereal, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly — the things they like and will actually eat. And lots of fruit.”
When it comes to food insecurity rates in our service area, the message is clear: people are hurting.
Food insecurity exists in every county in our nation, from the poorest neighborhoods to the most affluent. Being forced to choose between having enough to eat and paying for life’s other necessities is an unfortunate reality for many of our neighbors — and it’s becoming more common for more people every day.
We are doing everything we can to address this current crisis, but we can’t do that without you. Your support enables us to continue to show up every day for our neighbors, especially during these challenging times. Thank you.
Inspired to learn more? Download our full impact report by visiting this link.
Wherever hunger rises, so can we.
Food Bank of Wyoming is the Wyoming Distribution Center of Food Bank of the Rockies.
Proud Partners of:
Accredited by:
Food Bank of Wyoming (Food Bank of the Rockies) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization recognized by the IRS, ID 84-0772672. All donations are tax-deductible. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Click here for full USDA non-discrimination statement.