Stronger Together: How Hunger Relief Organizations Unite to Nourish Communities

When hunger relief organizations come together to share ideas and resources, the results extend far beyond any single program. Collaboration fuels innovation, expands reach, and reinforces the safety net that supports our neighbors in need. By working side by side, partners transform individual efforts into collective strength—ensuring that every community has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we’re not only addressing hunger today but shaping a stronger, more resilient tomorrow.

Through the relationships that have been developed across the state specific to food insecurity, Wyoming Hunger Initiative has identified partners in every community. Thanks to a grant from the Hughes Charitable Foundation, Wyoming Hunger Initiative was able to host a Regional Summit in Cheyenne earlier this month to bring folks together who are working in this space. Whether in times of celebration or crisis, the strength found in unity serves as a reminder that we are all stronger together.

The event kicked off with a volunteer recognition celebration catered by Chef Petrina Peart at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center where hunger relief organizations in southeast Wyoming nominated a volunteer from their organization to be recognized. Without the countless volunteers across the county, this work wouldn't be possible.

The following volunteers were recognized at this event:

• Elizabeth Lance, Unaccompanied Students Initiative

• Eric Bryant, Laramie Interfaith

• Holly and Jim Fisher, Friday Food Bag Foundation

• Dr. Brian Horst Family, St. Joseph's Food Pantry

• Kristen Anderson, Meals on Wheels of Cheyenne

• Deb Chaffin, Society of St. Vincent de Paul

• Vicki and Dale Kelley, Medicine Bow Food Pantry

• Martha Curl, Veterans' Rock

• Jennifer McCartney, LCCC FNBO Food Pantry

• Cheryl Trimble, Cotant's Totes of Hope

• Matt Connary, Family Promise of Cheyenne

• Ken Taylor, Platte County Services for Seniors

• Maria Limon, Needs, Inc.

We were also proud to honor Rylie Vetter, this year’s Fair to Fork participant from Laramie County! Rylie’s hard work, dedication, and generosity embody the spirit of Wyoming youth giving back to their communities. Her commitment helps ensure that local families have access to fresh, healthy food—and inspires others to join the fight against hunger.

In addition to our volunteers, we have a wonderful network of folks who support Wyoming Hunger Initiative throughout the year. Food from the Farm + Ranch was created to utilize Wyoming agricultural products to combat food insecurity. Fresh food and sources of high-quality protein are notoriously expensive and difficult to procure for the American food bank system. Wyoming is a state of plenty, and agricultural solutions are a key element to reducing and eliminating hunger. The Harding Ranch and King Ranch were honored for their continuous donations of beef to hunger relief organizations in Laramie County and beyond.

Cheyenne Frontier Days continues to embody the Wyoming spirit of community and generosity—values that make a lasting impact on the Wyoming Hunger Initiative. We were proud to present plaques of appreciation to several outstanding supporters: Tom Hirsig, CEO of Cheyenne Frontier Days, for generously donating the space for our gathering; Shellie Hardsocg, for her tireless support of the Wyoming Hunger Initiative partnership during Cheyenne Frontier Days and throughout the year; and Jim VanCise, for welcoming our presence in the iconic Frontier Days parades. Their ongoing partnership helps strengthen food pantries, fuel innovative hunger relief programs, and build a more connected, resilient Wyoming. Simply put, their support means everything!

We were honored to recognize Home on the Range for their outstanding partnership as a Food from the Field processor. Their commitment to turning donated wild game into nutritious meals helps ensure that every pound of generosity reaches Wyoming families in need. Their dedication truly exemplifies the spirit of community and compassion that drives the Wyoming Hunger Initiative.

We’re deeply grateful for the ongoing support of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming, whose partnership continues to strengthen the work of the Wyoming Hunger Initiative. Their commitment to improving the health and well-being of Wyoming families extends beyond healthcare—helping ensure that every neighbor has access to nutritious food and a stronger future.

The next day we got down to business by taking a hard look at what we can do to improve and expand resources for anti-hunger organizations in southeast Wyoming. Together, we identified challenges, brainstormed solutions, and developed a list of realistic action items.

The following anti-hunger organizations were involved with the Wyoming Hunger Initiative Regional Summit in Southeast Wyoming.

• Boost Center

• Cheyenne Salvation Army

• COMEA Shelter

• Cotant’s Totes of Hope

• Eppson Center for Seniors

• Family Promise of Cheyenne

• Feeding Laramie Valley

• Food Bank of Wyoming

• Friday Food Bag Foundation

• Guernsey Community Food Bank

• I am my Brothers and Sisters Keeper

• Laramie Interfaith

• Laramie Soup Kitchen

• LCCC Food Pantry

• Lifeway Church

• Linford Elementary

• Meals on Wheels of Cheyenne

• Medicine Bow Food Pantry

• Pine Bluffs Services for Seniors

• Platte County School District #2

• Pokes Pantry

• Society of St. Vincent de Paul

• Unaccompanied Students Initiative

• Veterans’ Rock

• Wyoming Coalition for the Homeless

Unity transforms countless voices into a single, powerful force—one capable of creating unstoppable strength and lasting change. Even one voice, grounded in conviction, can move mountains, shatter barriers, and ignite movements that shape the future.

We’re grateful for all that Tim has contributed as a Regional Director—his dedication, leadership, and heart have made a lasting impact on the Wyoming Hunger Initiative. While we’ll miss him in his regional role, we’re thrilled that he’s joining our Board of Directors, ensuring his experience and passion will continue to guide our mission to end hunger across Wyoming.

Lastly, Wyoming Hunger Initiative team members, board members, and regional directors traveled to be part of this event. The passion that you see here is what drives the work that Wyoming Hunger Initiative has done and continues to do. Thank you for joining us!

Photo credit: Janelle Rose Photography