JACKSON, Wyo. — Two local organizations announced today that they have coordinated a community-wide survey to better understand the scope of food insecurity across the county.
One22 Resource Center and Hole Food Rescue (HFR) are working with the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center at the University of Wyoming to conduct the survey on behalf of the Jackson Hole Food Collaborators. The coalition is made up of 11 nonprofits, faith-based groups, and education and health agencies that banded up during the COVID-19 pandemic to address food security concerns stemming from shutdowns and quarantines. The announcement says that the inquiry is expected to encompass a large cross-section of local residents, even those who might not use food assistance programs.
“Over the past five years, a combination of public health challenges and economic pressures has placed increasing strain on local households,” reads the announcement by One22 and HFR. “Rising costs, limited access, and other barriers continue to impact community members, while many service providers are already operating at or near capacity.”
According to the news release, surveys will be mailed and emailed to specific households, and should arrive soon, if not already. One22 and HFR are emphasizing the importance of completing the survey, regardless of one’s relationship to food insecurity. “This is about gathering comprehensive information across the full spectrum of community members,” the orgs wrote.
The nonprofits expect to compile the study findings into a comprehensive report that will be a shared across the JH Food Collaborators group. One22’s Director of Community Engagement Seadar Rose Davis previously told Buckrail that the alliance of local organizations began as a way to share resources and avoid duplicate services. According to the groups, this survey marks a turn toward finding a focused, long-term strategy that will align resources with realities.
“Food access in this community is complex, and no single organization can see the full picture on its own,” HFR Executive Director Margaret Thompson said in a statement. “By working together and investing in a comprehensive assessment, we can better understand the barriers people are facing and build solutions that are more effective, equitable, and sustainable over time.”
