CASPER, Wyo. — Until people across Wyoming no longer experience food insecurity, the Food Bank of Wyoming is promising to be a resource in the fight against hunger.
In 2023, Food Bank of Wyoming has optimistic goals for its programs, operations and community engagement to amplify its efforts across the state. After a hard year for many Wyoming residents experiencing high inflation, Food Bank of Wyoming understands communities need nourishing meals more than ever with more than 10% of residents, including thousands of children, currently facing food insecurity.
Executive Director Rachel Bailey recognizes the hard work both individuals and organizations do to help address this pressing issue.
“In the seven months I have been executive director, I have witnessed communities coming together with strength and resilience to support neighbors in need during historic inflation and continued fallout from the pandemic,” Bailey said.
Looking ahead to 2023, Food Bank of Wyoming will continue to rely on its community partners and dedicated staff to further its mission to end hunger in Wyoming. By coming up with innovative solutions to help its partners expand their capacity, grow a strong volunteer base, and improve financial resources, Food Bank of Wyoming can help its partners more equitably serve Wyoming communities and get food to anyone who needs it.
Here’s what Food Bank of Wyoming has planned for 2023:
Programs
In 2023, Food Bank of Wyoming will embark on a statewide listening tour. This will involve Bailey and members of the team traveling across Wyoming to meet with their Hunger Relief Partners to gather feedback and insights and assess concerns, community needs, and capacity needs. This will be done in an effort to better meet the needs of every Wyomingite requiring food assistance, no matter where in the state they call home.
Operations
The Operations Team at Food Bank of Wyoming is working to create better and more frequent access to food for Hunger Relief Partners so that they can more effectively serve neighbors across the state. To help reach the entire state in 2023, Food Bank of Wyoming plans to identify innovative solutions to expand its reach into underserved communities.
Additionally, to increase the amount of fresh produce Food Bank of Wyoming provides across the state in an equitable way, it is hiring a Wyoming-based food sourcing manager to improve its ability to partner with local food retailers, distributors and producers as well as expand and maximize its Grocery Rescue Program.
Donor and Volunteer Engagement
Food Bank of Wyoming is focusing on engaging and fueling programs with donors and volunteers across the state in 2023. By being available to donors, it will be able to ensure supporters know their donations are being used effectively and strategically to serve people across Wyoming.
“This year, look for the Food Bank of Wyoming team out in your community and ask us how your donations and time are being used effectively and strategically to serve our Wyoming neighbors,” Director of Development Jill Stillwagon said.
To learn how to help feed Wyoming neighbors through charitable donations or by
volunteering, visit www.wyomingfoodbank.org/get-involved.
Food Bank of Wyoming is the largest hunger-relief organization in Wyoming and provides food and essentials to people facing hunger directly and through more than 160 Hunger Relief Partners across the state. It’s put the power of community to work for neighbors in need. It serves as the Wyoming Distribution Center of Food Bank of the Rockies, which is a member of the Feeding America network.
“Everything we do is fueled by the support of our community and donors, and every dollar raised in Wyoming stays in Wyoming,” a news release states.
For more information, visit wyomingfoodbank.org.
