Did you know Earth Day is Tuesday, April 22? One of the most impactful ways to make a difference for our Earth is by reducing food waste. Food waste is quality food that is not being consumed and goes to the landfill instead of someone's plate. Every day, Food Bank of Wyoming is committed to doing our part to decrease food waste — to help the planet and to nourish our neighbors.

Below are some tips from the USDA on how to combat food waste:

• Plan your meals in advance and stick to shopping lists
• Avoid impulse and bulk buys, especially with perishable items
• Keep your fridge under 40°F and freezer at or below 0°F to prevent early spoilage
• Store food in covered containers and refrigerate cut veggies
• Use your freezer to preserve food and check it regularly to avoid waste
• Follow the "2-Hour Rule" for perishable foods at room temperature
• Repurpose leftovers into new dishes
• Use the FoodKeeper App for quality and freshness guidelines

By following these simple steps, we can reduce food waste, conserve resources, and make a meaningful impact on the planet — not just on Earth Day, but every day!

Join us in recognizing National Chickpea Day on Monday, April 21! Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are an excellent addition to any diet due to their impressive nutritional profile. High in protein, they make a great plant-based alternative to meat. Plus, they are rich in fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer! Their versatility allows chickpeas to be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups to snacks, making it easy to boost your nutrition with this powerhouse ingredient. In partnership with Cen$ible Nutrition, we are excited to share a variety of nutritious, delicious chickpea recipes.

Chickpeas are available now for online purchasing through Agency Express, making it easier than ever to stock your pantry with these nutritious options. We invite your organization and neighbors to visit Cen$ible Nutrition’s website for recipe ideas and to explore creative ways to add chickpeas to familiar meals. Celebrate this superfood with us and discover how it can support a nourishing, satisfying diet!

 Important Dates

  April 18           Deadline for WY Hunger Initiative Infrastructure Grant

  April 21           National Chickpea Day

  April 22           Earth Day

  May 26            Memorial Day; Food Bank of Wyoming is closed*

 *all truck routes reflect any necessary changes to accommodate this event

Food Bank of Wyoming deliveries are officially paperless! A few reminders now that the transition is complete:

• Agency Receipts are emailed to you two business days before your delivery, giving you time to review what’s coming. If you prefer a printed copy for reference, you can print it ahead of time. All Agency Receipt emails come from customerservice@foodbankrockies.org.
• Signing the manifest from the driver has replaced the signature requirement on the paper Agency Receipts, so you no longer need to return a signed copy to Food Bank of Wyoming.
• You still have two days after your delivery to report any missing items and submit an Order Adjustment request.

Food Bank of Wyoming is excited to introduce our new "All Are Welcome" poster, available in the languages most commonly spoken in Wyoming: Arapaho, Cheyenne, English, Shoshone, and Spanish. This poster provides a consistent, visual reminder of our commitment to welcoming all neighbors and ensures a unified message across hunger-relief organizations. We emphasize that any actions or language that compromise safety and inclusivity will not be tolerated.

To receive a poster, either by picking it up at the FFC or having it included with your food delivery, please contact the HelpDesk. We are here to support you in serving people with dignity and respect. Together, we can uplift all neighbors. Feel free to share any additional ideas on how we can continue this important work!

If you have not already applied, the Wyoming Hunger Initiative Infrastructure Grant deadline is coming up SOON on Friday, April 18, at 8:00 p.m. Grant funds can be used for projects and equipment.

Start-up costs are considered, but funding is not provided for food or salaries. The grant awards can range from $500 to $5,000. Successful applicants will be notified by a Wyoming Hunger Initiative team member the week of June 9.

Click here to view the application and apply now! If you have any questions about the grant application, please visit nohungerwyo.org/contact.

Partner Spotlight: Laramie County Community College

The food pantry at Laramie County Community College (LCCC) began in 2012 in a small closet in the college's business building. Then, it was a service-learning project led by a faculty member and students. As demand grew, however, the pantry transitioned from a faculty-driven initiative to an essential part of LCCC’s student services. It relocated to a larger space within the student services department, which allowed for expanded shelves and dedicated staff and enabled better support for students facing food insecurity. Over time, the pantry’s offerings broadened, evolving into a comprehensive resource for food, personal hygiene items, and school supplies. Today, the pantry serves more students than ever, with visits having doubled in the past year.

In 2024, LCCC partnered with Food Bank of Wyoming to ensure consistent access to nutritious food for its students. This collaboration includes monthly food deliveries, Nourishing Neighbors gift cards, and a grocery rescue program with Sprouts. Thanks to this partnership, the pantry's food supply has grown significantly, providing students with a greater variety of nutritious and familiar meals and snacks. Food Bank of Wyoming is grateful for this partnership and the role it has played in combating food insecurity and supporting the overall well-being of LCCC students.

Don't forget: We are here to help you with any questions you may have! Our dedicated staff in Wyoming monitors both the phone lines and email, ensuring a quick and efficient response to your inquiries. The HelpDesk phone number, 307-265-2172, is available during office hours (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.); after hours, voicemails are forwarded directly to our email: helpdesk@wyomingfoodbank.org.

This ensures that your questions are promptly routed to the appropriate team member for resolution. Our team is here to help and is committed to providing fast support to our Hunger Relief Partners and clients!

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Food Bank of Wyoming aspires to meet individuals where they are with the foods they need based on their unique circumstances and culture. We show up for any person experiencing hunger knowing that food insecurity can impact any of us at various points in our lives. Today, we may be packing produce for a person facing an unforeseen health crisis and tomorrow we may be providing a weekend food bag to a child whose caregiver may be struggling to find a well-paying job. The circumstances may be different, but we never waver from our mission of igniting the power of community to nourish people facing hunger.

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