Food Bank of Wyoming Looks Ahead to 2023

Wyoming, (Wyoming News Now) - We all hope the day will come when neighbors across Wyoming no longer experience food insecurity, until then Food Bank of Wyoming promises to always be a resource to help ensure our communities don’t face hunger. In 2023, Food Bank of Wyoming has optimistic goals for our programs, operations, and community engagement to amplify our 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,” says Bailey. Looking ahead to 2023, Food Bank of Wyoming will continue to rely on community partners and their dedicated staff to further their mission to end hunger in Wyoming. By coming up with innovative solutions to help our partners expand their capacity, grow a strong volunteer base, and improve financial resources, Food Bank of Wyoming can help our 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 is excited to embark on a state-wide listening tour. This will involve Executive Director, Rachel Bailey, and members of our 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 is in effort to better meet the needs of every Wyomingite in need of 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 our Hunger Relief Partners so that we can more effectively serve our neighbors across the state. To help reach the entire state in 2023, Food Bank of Wyoming plans to identify innovative solutions to expand our reach into underserved communities. Additionally, to increase the amount of fresh produce Food Bank of Wyoming provides across the state in an equitable way, we are hiring a Wyoming-based food sourcing manager to improve our ability to partner with local food retailers, distributors, and producers, and expand and maximize our 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, we will be able to ensure supporters know their donations are being used effectively and strategically to serve our Wyoming neighbors. “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,” says Director of Development, Jill Stillwagon. Learn how you can help feed Wyoming neighbors through charitable donations or by volunteering at www.wyomingfoodbank.org/get-involved. Food Bank of Wyoming is the largest hunger-relief organization in Wyoming and provides food and essentials directly to people facing hunger and through more than 160 Hunger Relief Partners across the state. We’ve put the power of community to work for our neighbors in need. We serve as the Wyoming Distribution Center of Food Bank of the Rockies, which is a proud 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. For more information, visit wyomingfoodbank.org.