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July Hunger Relief Partner Newsletter

 A New Wyoming Product coming to Agency Express 

We’re excited to share that the University of Wyoming’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center (SAREC) in Cody has donated a supply of emmer, a heritage grain with deep historical roots and modern-day culinary appeal. This donation will be distributed across Wyoming, complete with informational packaging to help communities explore and enjoy this nutritious whole grain.

What is Emmer?

Emmer (also known as farro) is an ancient variety of wheat, recognized for its small brown kernels, chewy texture, and subtly nutty flavor. It can be enjoyed whole, cracked, or milled into flour — versatile for both sweet and savory dishes.

How to Use It
Emmer is incredibly adaptable in the kitchen. Use it like rice, bulgur, or barley in:

Warm breakfast bowls

Hearty soups

Flavorful casseroles

Fresh salads

One-skillet meals

A few recipes will be available to try on the university's website, along with more inspiration for cooking with emmer. Learn more about emmer and its uses at uwyocnp.org/in_the_kitchen/in-the-kitchen-cooking-with-emmer.

Nutrition Highlights
Emmer is a whole grain and great source of fiber, supporting digestive health and long-lasting energy. Please note: Emmer contains gluten and is not suitable for gluten-free diets.

Did You Know?

Emmer was first domesticated over 12,000 years ago in the Middle East, making it one of the earliest cultivated grains and earning the nickname, “the first grain.”

It’s now grown in Wyoming as part of the University of Wyoming’s Neolithic Brand Wyoming First Grains initiative. 

Keep an eye out on Agency Express for this unique grain. We’re proud to bring a taste of ancient agriculture into today’s kitchens, thanks to the efforts of UW researchers and agricultural partners.

 

 

 
 

 Important Dates

 July 4               Independence Day - Food Bank of Wyoming closed* 

 July 11             Wyoming United Day (see details below) 

 July 16             WyoGives Day

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

 

Food Bank Of Wyoming Welcomes Our Newest Team Members

Programs Support Associate Emily Ashmore hails from a small town in North Georgia and fulfilled a long-time goal by relocating to Wyoming last year. While new to the nonprofit sector, Emily brings over a decade of customer service experience and several years in the field of education. She is deeply committed to community involvement, actively participating in programs such as Special Olympics, various veterans’ initiatives, and private tutoring. Her passion for the outdoors and dedication to service make her a valuable addition to our team.

Denise Rodgers, a proud Wyoming native, relocated from Torrington to Casper in 2000 to pursue a degree in Computer Networking. She is the mother of three adult sons and the proud grandmother of three, cherishing every opportunity to spend time with her family. Denise dedicated 12 years to the Wyoming WIC Program and served an additional 6 years with the Wyoming State Board of Pharmacy until the agency’s relocation to Cheyenne. Drawn by the mission of the Food Bank of Wyoming, she is excited to continue serving communities across the state in her current role as Programs Support Associate.

 

From Our Friends at Wyoming Hunger Initiative

Wyoming Hunger Initiative is coordinating with Serve Wyoming for a day of volunteering on July 11th in Cheyenne with volunteers and hunger relief partners in the community. Volunteering is as vital as donating money, bringing personal time, skills, and energy to create lasting, meaningful community impact. Check out the Facebook event HERE.

 

Wyoming Hunger Initiative is being celebrated in partnership with Cheyenne Frontier Days on Saturday, July 26th at the parade and rodeo. This is the fifth year to raise awareness around food insecurity on Wyoming on the second Saturday of Cheyenne Frontier Days. The activities for the day include the parade, a luncheon at the Governor's Residence, and then the rodeo in the afternoon. 

 

For more information on either of these activities, contact Chief of Staff, Trista Ostrom at trista.ostrom@wyo.gov.

 

 

Celebrate National Blueberry Day! 

Join us in recognizing National Blueberry Day on July 8th! Blueberries are one of the healthiest fruits you can enjoy, especially during the summer when they're in peak season. Packed with antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, these little berries help protect your body from oxidative stress and inflammation. They're also a great source of vitamin C, fiber, and manganese, which all support immune health, digestion, and energy production. Whether eaten fresh, blended into smoothies, or sprinkled over yogurt, blueberries are a delicious way to boost your nutrition.

Summer is the perfect time to indulge in blueberries. With longer days and warmer weather, this season naturally invites outdoor eating and fresh fruit picking. Blueberries thrive in the summer sun, and their sweet, tangy flavor is a refreshing treat on hot days. Incorporating them into your diet during summer not only tastes great but also helps keep your body hydrated and fueled with essential nutrients. From picnic snacks to homemade desserts, blueberries are a seasonal favorite that blends health and happiness in every bite.

 

Boys and Girls Club of Douglas

The Boys & Girls Club of Douglas provides a safe, caring and fun environment for school-aged children after school until 6PM Monday through Friday. Boys & Girls Club of Douglas offers tested, proven and nationally recognized programs in five core program areas that closely align with the developmental needs of all young people: character and leadership development, education and career development,  health and life skills, the arts, sports, and fitness and recreation. The Club maintains 170-200 members and on average serves 70+ youth a day.

Boys & Girls Club of Douglas offers a Totes of Hope program for Club members and others in the community in need. The totes consist of two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners and snacks for each child in the household, as well as donated beef from the Hunger Initiative and fresh produce through a partnership with the local Trinity Baptist Church. They are handed out on Fridays to help with meals over the weekend. In 2024, 787 totes were handed out and 1603 youth were served.

The partnership between the Food Bank and the Boys & Girls Club of Douglas makes the Totes of Hope program possible. It has also been the driving force for annual events at the Boys & Girls Club of Douglas such as Shop with a Cop: a collaboration between several local businesses and the Douglas Police Department that served 105 youth and families in the community, Thanksgiving meals, and Christmas meals.

 

Want to see your work featured here in our Partner Spotlights? Send over 2-3 paragraphs about the impact in your community and include some photos we can share as well! Our mission is stronger because of our Hunger Relief Partners and we want to elevate your work. Contact our Help Desk team for more information helpdesk@wyomingfoodbank.org

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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