Discover How 8 Wyoming Organizations Are Transforming Communities with a $322K Food Grant

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Eight organizations in Wyoming have received $322,705 in grants from the Forward Contract Pilot Grant Program to boost food production and access in the state.

The Wyoming Department of Family Services and the Food Works Group announced these awards. This grant is part of a broader initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, which aims to enhance food security in Wyoming with $2.4 million in support. The Food Works Group manages the program, focusing on three main goals outlined in the Wyoming Food Systems Assessment.

1. Creating Agreements: The group helps farmers establish forward contracts with food pantries and community organizations. This lays the groundwork for consistent funding, ensuring that food can move efficiently from farms to those in need.
2. Building Capacity: Grants are provided to improve Wyoming’s food supply chain, such as enhancing cold storage and transportation. This effort aims to strengthen local food systems and support smaller communities.
3. Connecting Resources: The goal is to simplify access to emergency food assistance and other support programs for food-insecure residents.

Food Works Group collaborates closely with the Wyoming Food Coalition, enhancing coordination within the food system. This coalition is vital for connecting stakeholders and amplifying the voices of Wyoming producers and consumers.

The grant program opened its application process in January, attracting 33 submissions that totaled over $1,150,000 in requests. A review committee prioritized projects seeking funds for quick-impact equipment, resulting in $322,705 awarded—about 25% of the total $1.3 million allocated for this pilot program. Projects began on May 1 and are set to continue through the end of the year.

The recipients and their projects include:

• **1890 Farms, Riverton:** This farm aims to distribute fresh sweet corn while enhancing food safety through new certifications and infrastructure improvements.
• **The Edible Prairie Project, Gillette:** This organization seeks to address food insecurity in Campbell County by providing local produce, meat, honey, and eggs, expanding offerings for families in need.
• **Foundations for Nations Food Pantry, Riverton:** This pantry will partner with local farms to ensure a steady supply of local protein and produce for families.
• **Eat Wyoming, Casper:** This food hub is focused on improving transportation and investing in tech to connect food producers with food banks.
• **One22 Resource Center, Jackson:** Serving over 300 households monthly, they plan to create contracts with Wyoming farmers for fresh, local food.
• **Rooted in Wyoming, Sheridan:** This nonprofit connects local farms with food assistance groups to deliver fresh produce and meat to community members.
• **Silver Stream Farm, Sublette or Teton County:** This greenhouse will collaborate with local organizations to provide vegetables to food-insecure residents at no cost.
• **Slow Food Wind River, Lander:** They will establish a food recovery system to salvage surplus food, reducing waste while increasing access to nutritious options.

Looking forward, Food Works Group plans to announce more grant opportunities by early 2026 to further empower food pantries and strengthen connections between producers and consumers.

According to a 2021 report by the Food Research and Action Center, nearly 10% of Wyoming households experience food insecurity. Initiatives like these are crucial in addressing those pressing needs and creating long-term solutions.

For more insights into food security and related topics, you can explore the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s resources on [food access and security](https://www.usda.gov/foodaccess) and state-level initiatives that may also be available.

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