United in Purpose: Nourishing Wyoming Communities Together

When organizations focused on hunger relief come together, the outcomes ripple far beyond any single program. Sharing knowledge, resources, and strategies not only sparks creative solutions but also strengthens the support systems that help neighbors in need. By combining efforts, these partners turn individual initiatives into collective power—ensuring communities across Wyoming have the resources to thrive. Together, we’re addressing more than immediate hunger; we’re shaping a future of resilience and hope.

Across the state, Wyoming Hunger Initiative has built a network of partners in every community to tackle food insecurity. With support from the Hughes Charitable Foundation, the Initiative recently hosted a Regional Summit in Afton, bringing together local leaders, advocates, and volunteers to exchange ideas and coordinate efforts. Moments like these—whether celebrating progress or facing challenges—serve as a powerful reminder: unity amplifies impact, and together, we are stronger.

The event kicked off with a volunteer recognition celebration catered by Artisan Chef at Forever West in Thayne where hunger relief organizations in southwest 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:

• Alison Linn, Community Bak Pak Program 

• Becky Beaudette, Lincoln Self Reliance 

• Cathy Dombi, Hole Food Rescue 

• Cindy Erickson, Kemmerer Area Food Bank

• Eden Pieper, Lincoln County Totes of Hope 

• Gwenette Portera, LaBarge Senior Center and Food Bank

• Jay Bruemmer, Alpine Food Bank

• Kelsee Ficker, Wyoming 211

• Lacey West, Thayne Community Food Bank 

• Lydia Clove, Afton Food Pantry 

• Marley Mackay, Thayne, Afton, and Sheridan College Food Pantries 

• Marca Tanner Brewington, Food Bank of Wyoming 

• Morgan Ingmire, Good Samaritan Mission

• Nova Noble, Pinedale Community Food Basket 

• Philip Slocki, Trona Valley Credit Union Foundation

• Rebecca Wilson, God is Providing Mobile Pantry 

• Toni Walworth, The Lord’s Storehouse

We were joined by local legislators; Senator Dan Dockstader, Representative Andrew Byron, and Representative McKay Erickson to recognize volunteers in southwest Wyoming.

We were honored to recognize Star Valley Meat Block of Thayne and Salt River Meat Co. of Afton for their outstanding partnership as Food from the Field processors. 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.

The event also celebrated Sierra Mitchell, who was honored by the Thayne Community Food Bank and Wyoming Hunger Initiative for her leadership in the region and for helping bring the community together for the event.

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 southwest 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 southwest Wyoming.

• Afton Food Pantry 

• Alpine Food Bank 

• Cent$ible Nutrition Program

• Cokeville Senior Center

• Community Bak Pak Program

• Evanston Youth Club 

• Food Bank of Wyoming

• Friday Food Bags, Lincoln County 

• From the Heart Ministries 

• God is Providing Mobile Pantry 

• Good Samaritan Mission 

• Hole Food Rescue 

• Kemmerer Food Bank 

• LaBarge Senior Center and Food Bank 

• Lincoln County 4-H 

• Lincoln Self Reliance 

• One22 Resource Center 

• Pinedale Community Food Basket 

• Southwest Sublette County Pioneers Senior Center

• Sweetgrass Food Lodge 

• The Lord’s Storehouse 

• Thayne Community Food Bank 

• Trona Valley Credit Union Foundation 

• United Way 

• Veteran Services 

• Youth Alternative Home Association

• Wyoming Department of Education

• Wyoming Food Coalition

• Wyoming 211

Unity is the power that turns many voices into one force, creating unstoppable strength and lasting change. A single voice, when rooted in conviction, can move mountains, break barriers, and give rise to movements that shape the future.

Lastly, Wyoming Hunger Initiative team 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: Carolyn Gordon Photography