CASPER — In Wyoming, one in six people experience food insecurity, illustrating the reality of hunger across the state.
This September, during Hunger Action Month, Food Bank of Wyoming is calling on all Wyomingites to take action together to ensure everyone has the food they need to thrive — whether by volunteering, donating, or raising awareness.
Hunger Action Month is a nationwide campaign held every September. Led by the Feeding America network of food banks, the campaign raises awareness and inspires people to get involved in the movement to help end hunger.
According to the latest data from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study, 94,440 people, including 25,700 children, experience food insecurity — that is the highest level since 2014. The Lord’s Storehouse in Evanston, a Hunger Relief Partner of Food Bank of Wyoming, sees this reality in their community every day.
“At The Lord’s Storehouse, hunger doesn’t have just one face. Every week at our distribution, we see older adults whose fixed incomes can’t keep up with grocery prices, working single parents stretching every dollar, and neighbors facing sudden medical bills or job loss,” Jodi Juretich, volunteer and member of the Board of Directors for The Lord’s Storehouse, said.
This Hunger Action Month, for the fifth year, gifts to Food Bank of Wyoming will go even further. Thanks to a generous financial match from the Powder River Energy Foundation, with support from Powder River Energy Corporation and CoBank, every donation made during September will be matched up to $40,000.
“At a time when hunger is on the rise, we’re incredibly grateful for our friends and community partners who step up and help us purchase more food so we and our network of Hunger Relief Partners can reach as many people across Wyoming as possible,” Food Bank of Wyoming Executive Director Danica Sveda said. “Normally, $1 helps provide enough food for three meals, and with the matching gift from Powder River Energy Foundation, Powder River Energy Corporation, and CoBank, we can provide six meals in September,”
Food Bank of Wyoming collaborates with more than 170 Hunger Relief Partners, including food pantries, community centers, and other hunger-relief organizations, such as The Lord’s Storehouse, to help ensure everyone has the food they need to thrive. Food Bank of Wyoming also provides food through signature programs that serve kids, families, and older adults, including Totes of Hope®, Evergreen Boxes™, and Mobile Pantries. These vital partnerships and programs are made possible through community support.
In addition to making financial gifts, individuals and groups can help put food on people’s plates during Hunger Action Month by volunteering. Community members can sign up to volunteer at the Casper Distribution Center or participate in one of Food Bank of Wyoming’s To-Go Volunteer Projects, launched this summer. These opportunities allow individuals, groups, and companies across the state to get involved in their own communities.
“This September for Hunger Action Month, no act of support is too small. Whether you donate funds, give your time as a volunteer, or help raise awareness, your support ensures our tables—and our neighbors’ cupboards—stay full,” Juretich said.
Hunger Action Month shows how every action, big or small, brings Wyoming one step closer to a future where no one is hungry. Join the movement to help end hunger by donating, volunteering, or advocating for Food Bank of Wyoming during Hunger Action Month and on Hunger Action Day, Sept. 29.
Learn more and get involved by visiting wyomingfoodbank.org.
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