DOUGLAS, Wyo. — Food Bank of Wyoming recently announced that a new food pantry has opened in Douglas.
A release from Food Bank of Wyoming says that after more than two years without a brick-and-mortar food pantry, Converse County now has a permanent, local resource for residents to turn to for food assistance.
Food Bank of Wyoming welcomed Saving Grace Food Pantry as its newest Hunger Relief Partner, expanding access to nutritious food and alleviating hunger in the Douglas community.
The release states that Saving Grace is dedicated to serving Converse County residents experiencing food insecurity. The nonprofit organization supports working families, children, older adults and individuals facing hunger.
Saving Grace received its first food distribution from Food Bank of Wyoming on Jan. 20 and it celebrated its soft launch with donors and community supporters on Jan. 26.
“We have spent the last two years hosting mobile food banks to support the families in Converse County,” shares Felicia Smith, Saving Grace Food Pantry Board president. “We are excited that we can officially open our doors to provide consistent resources to those in need in our community.”
The release notes that Wyoming’s rural landscape creates unique challenges for food access. Across Wyoming, there is only one Hunger Relief Partner for every 500 square miles served by Food Bank of Wyoming. Before Saving Grace opened its doors, many Converse County residents had to drive to Casper or Guernsey for food support, a significant burden for individuals and families already facing financial hardships. The addition of Saving Grace reduces transportation barriers and makes it easier for community members to receive the nourishment that they need in order to survive.
“We are beyond relieved that, after several years, our neighbors in Douglas have a food pantry. We can’t express how essential Saving Grace is as a new Hunger Relief Partner,” said Food Bank of Wyoming executive director Danica Sveda. “Along with expanding food access and security in the area, they prioritize the well-being of their community by sourcing fresh produce and essential food items from Food Bank of Wyoming.”
In 2024, Food Bank of Wyoming began hosting pop-up mobile pantries at the Douglas Fairgrounds, following the closure of the previous local pantry in 2023. Now, with a permanent location established, individuals and families will have dependable access to food and other essential resources.
“Over the past two years, we have served approximately 350 families, and by having a permanent service in place, these families will have access to food and other items that they may have struggled with obtaining,” says Smith.
Saving Grace Food Pantry is located at 103 S. Eighth St. in Douglas. It serves the community every Tuesday and Thursday from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Community members do not need proof of income to receive food.
As of this writing, saving Grace Food Pantry has registered 131 families for its services.
To view additional food pantries and distribution sites across Wyoming, visit wyomingfoodbank.org/find-food.
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