The Wyoming Hunger Initiative, a program created and directed by Wyoming First Lady, Jennie Gordon came to Star Valley May 14 to honor those who have helped the program in western Wyoming.

The initiative was launched in October 2019 with the mission to end childhood hunger in Wyoming. However, the mission has grown to end hunger for all in Wyoming.

After speaking to a packed dinner event in Thayne at Forever West, Gordon shared he thoughts on the statewide program.

“Well, it’s just a huge honor to see so many people support their volunteers. It is not something I expected to grow this big, but I am so thankful that our whole state has come together to support food insecurity,” she said. “I think this is just a prime example of communities taking care of neighbors in need.”

Seeing so many local programs progressing well, as noted in an Afton Food Bank tour prior to the dinner, Gordon said, “Success kind of breeds success, and so I think the more people heard, and the programs are so Wyoming centric,” they created ways to share more food. As examples she noted to the food program to grow a little extra is really about putting extra seeds in your garden and when you harvest an animal when you’re hunting to be able to give the bounty to your neighbors.”

She continued, “So, I think people really relate to Wyoming solutions to the challenge. You could see that you made a difference in individual people’s lives tonight.”

Wyoming residents who had helped with the food initiative were honored with plaques and summary reports of their work at the dinner program.

First Lady Gordon said it was time to acknowledge those helping with the Hunger Initiative. “Volunteers are always giving and never expecting to receive,” she said. “I think sometimes they’re a little bit embarrassed, but I know that it means so much to them because we’ll go to different organizations, see the plaques on the wall, and people are so proud to be able to be recognized for that amazing service.”

Asked about memorable moments with the Wyoming Hunder Initiative, Gordon recalled a program at one of the Wyoming schools.

“One of the most touching experiences that I’ve had is when a school counselor told me that a child came home from Christmas break, and they were acting out. And they took the child to the office, and they found the child didn’t have any food at their house for the whole Christmas break. And so he said, I just wanted to come home, or back to school, and get away from home, ‘cause I could eat.”

She continued, “So knowing that this happens in our state, we just have to really think about those kiddos and those families and support them.”

Looking back at the work of the initiative, First Lady Gordon concluded, “It’s been an honor and the highest privilege of my life to serve the state. I had not anticipated I would ever be in this position. But when you have an opportunity to give back to your community and your state, I think you should take it.”