You have likely heard about several important developments at the federal level concerning hunger relief. We want to share insights about what’s happening and how it could impact the Wyoming communities we serve. On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed the budget reconciliation package that includes major cuts to safety net programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Medicaid. The bill passed by just one vote (215-214). It now heads to the Senate, where it’s expected to be considered by the end of June.

Here are a few concerning pieces of the House version of the bill regarding changes to SNAP:

• For the first time, states would be required to pay a percentage of the cost of SNAP benefits and also take on 50% more in administrative costs. It is highly likely that the Wyoming legislature would increase eligibility requirements and cut benefits to further discourage the use of SNAP rather than incur this added expense. This would be devastating for many hard-working Wyomingites who lack regular access to food pantries and supplemental food sources. 
• Parents of children over six years of age would face stricter work requirements and restricted state exemptions.
• The age for work requirements would go up from 54 to 64, putting more older adults at risk of food insecurity.

We know you hear directly from neighbors about how vital these programs are: for their health, their journey to self-sufficiency, and simply putting food on their tables.  You know the stories of hunger in your communities and the critical role SNAP plays in meeting current need. That’s why we’re deeply concerned by the serious impact these proposed changes would have on the people we serve, increasing their need for additional food assistance.

What’s next?

As the bill moves to the Senate, we’re working alongside Feeding America to develop tools and messaging that highlight how these changes will affect our neighbors. We will share resources with our Hunger Relief Partners regularly, so we can take action together.

If you would like to take action, sharing your work in Wyoming communities with those representing Wyoming is a powerful way to help build a future where everyone has the nutritious food they need to thrive. We will continue to keep you updated as things develop; we recognize the power of all of us together being committed to nourishing neighbors facing hunger.

 Important Dates

  June 14            Flag Day

  June 15            Father's Day

  June 25-26       Food Bank of Wyoming End of Year Inventory*

  July 4               Independence Day - Food Bank of Wyoming closed* 

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

As we continue moving toward fully digital systems, we want to make sure it’s easy for you to keep track of your orders on the Agency Express portal. Below, there are a few simple tips to help you check what your agency has received. 

How to View Your Orders: 

1. Go to the Order Options tab. 
2. Click on Order Management. 
3. You’ll now see a list of all your agency’s orders, with the most recent ones at the top. 
4. To view the details of an order, click the small printer icon next to the reference number. This will open a new tab showing the items in that order. 

Understanding the Different Reference Numbers: 

• PO# – This is the main order you placed in Agency Express. 

When your delivery or pickup arrives, please refer to the receipt emailed to you (not the order confirmation) because some items may be missing due to expiration or being out of stock. 

You’ll receive your receipt by email two days before your delivery or pickup. 

• AGRO# – These are extra produce and dry goods you receive in addition to your main order. 

You’ll see the amount listed in pounds. These items are free of charge. 

• AI-# – If your agency takes part in the Food Rescue program, this number will show you the pounds of food you received, sorted by type. 

Partner Spotlight: University of Wyoming Pokes Pantry

The Pokes Food Share Pantry is an organization dedicated to making sure every member of the University of Wyoming community — whether student, faculty, or staff — is nourished. Built on the values of dignity, inclusion, sustainability, and equity, the pantry was formed in response to surveys on campus that revealed almost half of the UW community experiences some level of food insecurity.

Since Spring 2020, the Pokes Pantry has been providing a variety of foods, personal hygiene products, household products, and baby products free of charge to UW community members. This year, the Pokes Pantry merged with the Pokes Center for Community Resources (PCCR), sharing a new, larger space with increased resources like the Campus Community Closet. This change also came with a more central location on campus, allowing the pantry to serve around 500 visitors a month.

Along with the recent collaboration with PCCR, the Pokes Pantry’s new partnership with Food Bank of Wyoming presents an exciting opportunity to expand the pantry’s ability to support the UW community. Pokes Pantry is entirely donation based, and the affordable options from Food Bank of Wyoming allow each dollar to go farther in reducing hunger within the UW community.

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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