This month marks the first anniversary of the Wyoming Hunger Initiative, a statewide resource for organizations that are combating food insecurity in communities across the Cowboy State.

It was launched by Wyoming First Lady Jennie Gordon.

The initiatve, she said, “has no plans to slow down in its second year. We will continue to show up and meet the challenges of unsettled times with creativity, innovation and dignity.”

Some of the solutions to those challenges include grants that were awarded to 14 organizatons, the value of which totaled $50,000 toward infrastructure. Another round of grants totalling $65,000 will be announced soon.

Another program is Food from the Farm and Ranch, where animals from producers and county fairs have been donated to stock food pantries with high-quality, Wyoming grown protein. It is similar to Food from the Field where hunters donate their wildlife harvest. Although the season is in its early days, 1,694 pounds have been donated already.

The challenges the organization has faced include meat processing capabilites and creating partnerships like the one with mobile food pantries in local communities and helping establish school breakfast programs so that no child faces school on an empty stomach.

To learn more about the Wyoming Food Initiative or to donate, go to nohungerwyo.org