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There has never been such a thing as a “normal year” in the world of food banking, but the challenges presented to us in the last few years have been nothing short of extraordinary. During fiscal year 2023, we faced a difficult winter that challenged our delivery operations. At the same time, inflation rates hit levels not seen for over 40 years. Eggs, produce, milk, protein, grains: All of these increased in price, causing our monthly food-purchasing costs to soar.
However, despite these historic challenges, we have innovated and connected with communities across Wyoming to see how we can help. Here are just a few of the things we achieved:
We mark the 20th anniversary of our Wyoming distribution center in 2024 — a milestone that is both significant as well as telling. Food insecurity is not a new problem, nor is it a problem that will be resolved anytime soon. But as we continue to grow and adapt to the needs of our neighbors across Wyoming who are experiencing hunger, find new ways to bolster the work being done to address the root causes of hunger, and advocate for better systems to assist anyone who needs a hand, we take steps toward a better, more equitable future.
Thank you for joining us on this journey.
Rachel Bailey
Executive Director
Odessa Oldham has been involved in the worlds of ranching and agriculture from a young age. As the food sourcing manager for Food Bank of Wyoming, the Casper-based distribution center of Food Bank of the Rockies, Odessa uses her connections across the state to source more protein and produce from local growers and distribute it to Wyomingites experiencing hunger.
“I want to have a system in place that is collaborative with all the different food systems across Wyoming, where we can work together as a state to support each other and support our neighbors,” she said.
Among the dozens of vehicles waiting for the Rock River Mobile Pantry to start is Dennie with his wheelbarrow.
“My vehicle went down,” he said as volunteers loaded up his wheelbarrow. Deciding to walk a couple of blocks for fresh food was an easy decision for Dennie. “The closest thing you get here is a little mercantile, and they’re rather expensive,” he explained.
Dennie is one of about 100 people who regularly get food from the Rock River Mobile Pantry each month. With few other accessible options nearby, the mobile pantry plays a key role in the community.
Our fiscal year 2023 audited financial reports will be available online in early 2024. To access financial reports from recent years and our upcoming FY23 report, please visit: wyomingfoodbank.org/about/financials
One of the partnerships Food Bank of Wyoming forged last year was expanding the Totes of Hope™ Program to include Fort Washakie School on Wind River Indian Reservation.
“Totes of Hope™ provide security and stability to the kids at Fort Washakie School,” said Lisa Ansell Frazier, founder of Buffalo Youth Nation Project, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Great Plains tribes improve food access and a key player in the partnership between Food Bank of Wyoming and Fort Washakie School. “This, in turn, provides healing. Discovering this program was such a blessing.”
We are looking ahead to the next several years with one goal in mind: Ensuring all of our neighbors have enough nutritious and familiar food to thrive. Achieving that goal will require persistent innovation in our programming and strategic operations, especially as we anticipate a continued increase in need in the communities we serve.
Food insecurity exists in every community, from the poorest neighborhoods to the most affluent. The good news is that we can answer the challenge of hunger together. Thanks to your dedicated support, we can continue looking ahead with hope, perseverance, and strength.
Inspired to learn more? Download our full impact report by visiting this link.
Hunger cuts across demographics and borders, indifferent to the past, present or future chapters of a person’s life. Through our 150+ Hunger Relief Partners and mobile pantries located across the state, Food Bank of Wyoming meets individuals wherever they need us, ensuring that anyone who is experiencing hunger gets the nourishing food they need to thrive. The adjacent map demonstrates how we serve Wyoming, including the equivalent amount of meals provided per county in fiscal year 2023 (derived from total pounds distributed).
Wherever hunger rises, so can we.
Food Bank of Wyoming is the Wyoming Distribution Center of Food Bank of the Rockies.
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Food Bank of Wyoming (Food Bank of the Rockies) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization recognized by the IRS, ID 84-0772672. All donations are tax-deductible. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Click here for full USDA non-discrimination statement.