Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon was at the Wyoming Downs horse races in Evanston on July 13 for the Legislative Day at the Races which featured the Governor’s Cup Race. The day also featured the First Lady of Wyoming, Jennie Gordon and her Wyoming Hunger Initiative which was launched in October 2019 with the mission to end childhood hunger in Wyoming. That mission has evolved to end hunger for all in Wyoming.

The Wyoming Downs has helped the program earn money as well as offering a food drive at the admissions gate where donations were welcomed. Deanna Trumble, Wyoming Hunger Initiative Regional Director for Central/Western Wyoming said food insecurity numbers are increasing across the state. She attributed some of that increase to lower donations and higher food prices. “We’re trying to fill the gap and make sure all the agencies have the support they need,” Trumble said.

The program initially focused on children but moved towards addressing food insecurity on a larger scale. “If you have a hungry kid, you have a hungry family” Trumble said. Seniors and veterans are also vulnerable to food insecurity. The program utilizes volunteer veterans which Trumble said encourages other veterans to seek aid and resources. “It’s okay to ask for help” Trumble said.

An affiliate program called Food from the Field is an innovative program that helps some of the most vulnerable.

The Wyoming Hunger Initiative, Game & Fish Department, and Department of Agriculture, as well as participating processors work together to streamline game meat donation to food pantries statewide.

As the Wyoming Hunger Initiative stands ready to support grassroots efforts of every Wyoming county, Jennie Gordon said she hopes to continue raising awareness throughout the state.