JACKSON, Wyo. — Through a turbulent first half of November, many Wyomingites stepped up to help out their neighbors in a time of need. Although government food assistance was restored as of Nov. 14, food insecurity remains a reality for many people living in Teton County and across the state. Local organizations ramped up their assistance offerings during the government shutdown and are continuing the effort into the holiday season.
At last week’s Veterans Day ruck march hosted by Jackson Police Department (JPD), each participant was asked to bring no less than 35 pounds of food to donate to Jackson Cupboard. On Wednesday, JPD posted a video to Facebook showing that 796 pounds of food was collected and donated to the pantry.
A press release from Gov. Mark Gordon on Nov. 10 said that nearly $1.2 million in state funds was distributed to food-aid nonprofits during the first week of the month by the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS). Independent food pantries received over $109,000; pantries affiliated with the Food Bank of Wyoming received $544,290; and the Food Bank of Wyoming directly received $544,290. The governor allocated up to $10 million for nonprofits while Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds were on hold at the federal level. That money was distributed to nonprofits in Wyoming counties based on how much each county receives in SNAP payments.
“No one in Wyoming wants their neighbors to go hungry,” Gordon said in the press release.
DFS Public Information Officer Kelly Douglas told Buckrail in an email that state funding was dispersed at a similar rate the second week of November. Independent pantries received $103,027; the Food Bank of Wyoming received $552,062; mobile pantries run by the food bank received $33,696; and food pantries affiliated with the state food bank received a total of $552,062.
According to the state, during the first two weeks in November, while SNAP was still paused, DFS contributed nearly $2.5 million to state food pantries, of the possible $10 million available. Jackson Cupboard received two payments of $1,056 from the state to support food distribution efforts. The Alpine Food Bank was given about $3,200, and the Pinedale Community Food Basket was given almost $6,500.
In Jackson, Hole Food Rescue (HFR) expanded programs that offered free food. HFR also hosted grocery pop-ups in Grand Teton National Park for furloughed park staff, sharing 4,600 pounds of food.
Free community meals continued to be served at various locations in the valley. Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church serves a lunch every Monday through Friday at noon in the parish hall. On Wednesdays at 6 p.m., The Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole serves a weekly dinner that includes a main dish, side dish and salad. The Good Samaritan Mission hosts free community dinners nightly, and CEO Jeremy Aughenbaugh told Buckrail that all are welcome at the meals. The Mission hosts breakfast, lunch and dinner on the weekends.
“Usually when things like this happen, it gives us an opportunity to come together and be creative and share with each other what we’re doing and fill gaps,” Aughenbaugh said.
For those who are still looking for ways to contribute to community members in need before the holiday season, Buckrail has done the research so that local contributions can be as effective as possible. Below is a list of organizations that are accepting donations.
Driggs Veterinary Clinic
During the month of November, anyone who brings in a nonperishable food item will receive 50% off their pet’s nail trim. All food will be donated to the Teton Valley Food Pantry.
Good Samaritan Mission
Aughenbaugh said that the Mission can accept nearly any kind of donation, including game meat. The shelter determines which donations can be put on shelves at its food pantry and which can be used in the kitchen for community meals.
Hole Food Rescue
Personal donations of unopened, shelf-stable products, frozen meat and produce are accepted. Monetary donations can be made online, where $25 will rescue 30 pounds of food and feeds one person for a week.
One22 Resource Center and Jackson Cupboard
Monetary donations can be made online, and can be designated to the general fund, food assistance or the federal worker assistance program. Jackson Cupboard purchases food for its pantry in bulk and typically at a lower price point than at grocery stores, so cash donations help the Cupboard prioritize certain items that might not get donated very often. For those who would like to donate food items, view the list of most needed items here.
Tram Jam food drive
Local jam company Tram Jam organized a food drive for anyone who would like to donate. Owner Lisa Roarke Felton told Buckrail in an email that she felt “helpless and frustrated with certain decisions being made about the well-being of our friends and neighbors, both locally and nationally.” She plans to keep this food drive going as long as needed. All food collected will be donated to Jackson Cupboard. Anyone interested in donating can call or text (307) 200-9092, email gettramjam@gmail.com or direct message on Instagram @tramjamjh to coordinate a food pickup. See more information here.
