– First Lady Jennie Gordon’s Wyoming Hunger Initiative in partnership
with the John P. Ellbogen Foundation allocated $120,000 in June to hunger relief nonprofit
organizations in each of Wyoming’s 23 counties to help with the rising cost of food as the need
increases and the availability of resources decreases.

While grassroots efforts are underway in every Wyoming county dedicated to reducing hunger
and combating food insecurity, demand on resources statewide has exponentially increased
making it challenging for anti-hunger organizations to keep food on the shelves to include fresh
produce and protein.

“The mission of Wyoming Hunger Initiative is to support the existing work of anti-hunger
organizations across the state,” First Lady Jennie Gordon said. “It’s important to us that we
allocate resources where they will have the greatest impact, as quickly as possible to meet the
need as communicated by the “boots on the ground.”

“The Ellbogen Foundation is fortunate to work with the First Lady and the Wyoming Hunger
Initiative to help replenish food pantries across our state. We are so thankful for this partnership
and for the many organizations working to meet one of the most fundamental needs in
communities throughout Wyoming” said Mary Garland, President of the John P. Ellbogen
Foundation.

Wyoming Hunger Initiative’s Regional Network works closely with the organizations in each of the
counties to ensure that need is articulated to Wyoming Hunger Initiative and as a result, Wyoming

Hunger Initiative can respond accordingly thanks to the generosity of so many that donate. The
John P. Ellbogen Foundation partnered with Wyoming Hunger Initiative to ensure that funds were
distributed during this challenging time to keep up with the lack of resources and access to much
needed supplies with the hope of also boosting morale. Furthermore, Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Wyoming (BCBSWY) pledged $10,000 to be distributed specifically to senior centers thanks to
their partnership with WyoBlue Advantage, an affiliate of BCBSWY, increasing the distribution
amount from $110,000 to $120,000. Partnerships make all the difference.

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About Wyoming Hunger Initiative
Wyoming Hunger Initiative seeks to find and support Wyoming solutions to the challenge of food insecurity, which affects approximately 83,000 residents statewide. Launched in October 2019, Wyoming Hunger Initiative is the official initiative of Wyoming’s First Lady Jennie Gordon and is governed by the Board of Directors of the Wyoming Governor’s Residence Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. For more information, visit www.nohungerwyo.org.