USDA Grant Cut Leaves Wyoming Food Bank Without Key Funding

A critical program that helped feed Wyoming families is coming to an end. The USDA grant that allowed the Food Bank of Wyoming to purchase fresh, locally sourced food will expire in July, cutting off $535,000 in funding. This program not only provided high-quality, Wyoming-grown food to families in need but also supported local farmers and ranchers by purchasing beef, lamb, flour, corn, and even sauerkraut directly from them.

Food Sourcing Manager Odessa Oldham explained the importance of the program, saying, “We’ve built relationships with about 14 producers, and I’m hoping by the end of July that we hit either 16 or 18. It’s given us an opportunity to not only build a relationship with them, but to turn around and give that food away at no cost.”

While the Food Bank of Wyoming remains hopeful that the USDA will develop new programs to support local food sourcing, the loss of this grant means there will be fewer resources to distribute food across the state. Combined with rising grocery costs and an increased demand for assistance, this funding cut puts even more pressure on food pantries—including the Council of Community Services (CCS) Food Pantry in Gillette—to meet the needs of local families.

What This Means for Local Families

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in Wyoming, where access to fresh, nutritious food is already limited for many residents. With the cost of groceries increasing and federal support decreasing, food pantries must rely even more on community support.

At CCS Food Pantry, fresh produce and high-protein foods are always in demand. The loss of this grant means fewer fresh and locally sourced foods will be available, making it even more critical for the community to step up and help.

Ways to Make a Difference

1. Donate Fresh Produce – Do you garden? Consider growing an extra row for your neighbors in need. Fresh fruits and vegetables are some of the most requested items at food pantries, yet they are often the hardest to come by. If you have excess produce this season, the CCS Food Pantry would love to accept your donation.

2. Make a Financial Contribution – The Food Bank of Wyoming can stretch every dollar, providing three meals for every $1 donated. Contributions to the CCS Food Pantry also help ensure that fresh and nutritious food remains available locally. Even small donations add up to big impacts.

3. Volunteer Your Time – The need for volunteers is constant. Whether it’s at the Food Bank of Wyoming’s distribution center in Casper or right here in Gillette at CCS, your time and effort help ensure food gets to those who need it most. Sorting, stocking, and distributing food are all critical tasks that rely on community support.

4. Buy Local – If you have the means, consider purchasing from local farmers and ranchers. Supporting Wyoming’s agricultural community strengthens our local food system and helps sustain the relationships built through the USDA grant.

The Power of Community

The expiration of this grant is a setback, but Wyoming is a state built on resilience and community support. By working together—whether by donating, volunteering, or simply choosing to buy local—we can help fill the gap left by this funding cut and ensure that our neighbors don’t go without.

If you’re able to contribute in any way, please consider supporting the CCS Food Pantry or Food Bank of Wyoming. Every effort, no matter how small, helps make a difference.

To learn more about how you can help, visit the Council of Community Services website or Food Bank of Wyoming.

Source: https://oilcity.news/community/2025/03/18/doge-cuts-to-usda-eliminates-535k-grant-to-food-bank-of-wyoming/