CHEYENNE — First lady Jennie Gordon’s Wyoming Hunger Initiative in partnership with the John P. Ellbogen Foundation allocated $120,000 in June to hunger relief nonprofit organizations in each of Wyoming’s 23 counties to help with the rising cost of food as the need increases and the availability of resources decreases.

While grassroots efforts are underway in every Wyoming county dedicated to reducing hunger and combating food insecurity, demand on resources statewide has exponentially increased making it challenging for anti-hunger organizations to keep food on the shelves to include fresh produce and protein.

“The mission of Wyoming Hunger Initiative is to support the existing work of anti-hunger organizations across the state,”  Gordon said. “It’s important to us that we allocate resources where they will have the greatest impact, as quickly as possible to meet the need as communicated by the “boots on the ground.”

“The Ellbogen Foundation is fortunate to work with the first lady and the Wyoming Hunger Initiative to help replenish food pantries across our state. We are so thankful for this partnership and for the many organizations working to meet one of the most fundamental needs in communities throughout Wyoming” said Mary Garland, president of the John P. Ellbogen Foundation.

Wyoming Hunger Initiative’s Regional Network works closely with the organizations in each of the counties to ensure that need is articulated to Wyoming Hunger Initiative and as a result, Wyoming Hunger Initiative can respond accordingly thanks to the generosity of so many who donate. The John P. Ellbogen Foundation partnered with Wyoming Hunger Initiative to ensure that funds were distributed during this challenging time to keep up with the lack of resources and access to much needed supplies with the hope of also boosting morale. Furthermore, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming (BCBSWY) pledged $10,000 to be distributed specifically to senior centers thanks to their partnership with WyoBlue Advantage, an affiliate of BCBSWY, increasing the distribution amount from $110,000 to $120,000. Partnerships make all the difference.