A strip mall surrounded by hotels, a Catholic church established over 100 years ago: these structures might seem obvious in their functions, but each houses organizations that are critical to the well-being of community members in Rawlins.
In July 2023, our Hunger Relief Partner WYO HELP opened a self-choice food pantry in Rawlins in a strip mall just off of I-80. Since opening their doors, WYO HELP has more than doubled the number of households they serve monthly.
Two people who regularly shop at the Rawlins pantry are daughter and mother Dasja and Brie. Dasja has Chron’s disease, is on disability, and is a stay-at-home mom for her daughter.
“This really helps. The meat is nice because you can portion it out and freeze it to use at different times,” Dasja shared. “Everything is expensive at the store.”
A five-minute drive from WYO HELP is St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. There, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, another Hunger Relief Partner, operates on a phone call-by-phone call basis, packing tailored boxes of food and necessities like diapers and toilet paper for community members. In a typical month, the pantry serves around 330 children and adults.
Kandi is one of those people. She works full-time on the night shift at a gas station and makes stainless steel tumblers on the side to supplement her income. But business is unpredictable, and food from the pantry helps make ends meet.
“Rent, utilities, gas, car maintenance, dog food: It all adds up, quickly,” Kandi shared. “I’m trying to do whatever I can. This place has always helped. It’s been an awesome thing for me.”
All across the state, Food Bank of Wyoming strives to support communities like Rawlins and partners like WYO HELP and St. Vincent de Paul. Because when our neighbors are empowered to thrive, we can all thrive.
Inspired to help nourish your neighbors? Click here to donate today!
