Food Bank Of Wyoming’s New Ways To Fight A 10 Year Hunger High

When you hear the term 'Food Insecurity,' you may not fully understand what that means. The USDA defines food insecurity as a situation in which people don't have enough to eat and don't know where their next meal will come from.

So, you may not know the phrase, but there's a good chance that you know what it feels like. In the US, roughly 48 million people, 14 million of those being children, don't know where their next meal is coming from.

If your family is in a good position, that's fantastic, but next time you're driving with your kids, look in the rearview mirror and imagine you don't know what you'll feed them because you don't have the money to buy food.

Currently, food insecurity is at a 10-year high. Sometimes people work their tails off, but can't seem to get out of the rut they're in, and need help to make ends meet. That's where organizations like the Food Bank of Wyoming come into play.

If you've been wondering how you can help families who need a little support, Food Bank of Wyoming has several ways to get involved, and manager Jenna Noelle says in a press release that they've developed additional ways to help.

We received a lot of requests from people and businesses throughout the state who want to volunteer but don’t live near our distribution center in the Casper area. We wanted to create opportunities for people to help make an impact, rather than having to point them somewhere else.

To-Go Volunteer Projects are a few ways for companies, families, or individuals to donate time, money, or food.

• Produce Bag Production: Support the Food Bank’s operations by cutting and tying some of the more than 5,000 mesh bags used every month to pack and distribute fresh produce.
• Hygiene Kits: Create hygiene kits to help neighbors access essential personal care items with dignity and confidence. Most supplies are purchased by the volunteer group, making this an easy, team-friendly service project. Razors are among the most requested items by neighbors in need.
• Birthday in a Box: Create birthday cake kits to help neighbors celebrate special occasions with dignity and joy. Most supplies are purchased by the volunteer group, making this an inexpensive, low-lift volunteer project with meaningful impact.
• Food Box Cards: Create hand-drawn cards to send messages of support to recipients of the Food Bank’s mobile pantries. This project is flexible, easy, and a fun, creative outlet for employees and community members.

If you're a corporation and want to get involved, the 3rd annual Corporate Challenge is underway and runs through the end of August. Companies can earn points by volunteering at the Casper Distribution Center, participating in To-Go Volunteer Projects, making financial donations, hosting employee fundraisers, sponsoring a mobile pantry, and sharing Food Bank of Wyoming on social media

Volunteers can explore To-Go Volunteer Projects at wyomingfoodbank.org/get-involved/volunteer.