Wyoming is an all-hands-on-deck kind of place

Our farms and ranches are in the fight

First Lady Jennie Gordon’s Wyoming Hunger Initiative launched in October 2019 with a very specific goal in mind: to do whatever possible to support anti-hunger organizations working tirelessly throughout the state. Wyoming Hunger Initiative recognizes that where there’s a hungry child, a hungry family, senior, or veteran isn’t far away, and thus works to prevent food insecurity by increasing awareness and support for the work of local anti-hunger organizations statewide through innovative programs that connect like-minded organizations as well as funding support for local solutions.

Food from the Farm + Ranch is one program under the Wyoming Hunger Initiative umbrella focusing on providing high-quality, locally-grown protein to food pantries and anti-hunger organizations throughout Wyoming. Since the launch of Food from the Farm + Ranch, over 150,000 lbs of Wyoming-raised beef, pork, and lamb have been donated by Wyoming ranchers or through local county fair livestock sales with the intent of being donated to anti-hunger organizations. This generosity has made the program’s vision a reality for scores of families; it’s truly a Wyoming solution to a Wyoming challenge.

Being a producer herself, First Lady Jennie Gordon’s initial vision for Wyoming Hunger Initiative was to encompass a component of agriculture that would be part of the solution to food insecurity in Wyoming. Fresh food and sources of high-quality protein are notoriously expensive and difficult to procure for the food bank system. Wyoming is a state of plenty and agricultural solutions are a key element to reducing and eliminating hunger.

Wyoming is an all-hands-on-deck kind of place and our farmers and ranchers have stepped up to the plate to take care of their neighbors in need. Are you a farmer or a rancher that has an extra animal to spare? Do you know of a farmer or rancher that could be in a place to donate? Wyoming Hunger Initiative will take care of the processing and distribution or invite you to join us as we continue to make a difference across the state.

You don’t need special training in fighting food insecurity to make a difference. You only need to identify a need and figure out how best to help fill it. Food insecurity is a challenge Wyoming faces, but every Wyoming county has an army of anti-hunger heroes ready to welcome new warriors to the fight. Consider this your invitation to make a difference. Together, we can end hunger in Wyoming.