WYOMING HUNGER INITIATIVE ’ S BEEF FOR BACKPACKS FIGHTS CHILDHOOD HUNGER
In a state defined by open spaces , vast plains and endless opportunity , Wyoming ’ s children face a hidden crisis : hunger . Nearly 7,000 children in Wyoming are food insecure , and weekend food programs play an important role in meeting their nutritional needs during weekends and school breaks when school meals are unavailable . In the past , weekend food programs provided an important source of food security , but they often lacked critical sources of protein . Because of protein costs , food programs are often unable to source enough to meet the needs of children and families . To help address this issue , the Wyoming Hunger Initiative , with the support of Wyoming First Lady Jennie Gordon , launched a program called Beef for Backpacks to help provide nutritious , locally sourced beef to hungry kids across the state .
The program is a collaboration between local ranchers , farmers and anti-hunger organizations working together to provide high-quality protein to children who might otherwise go without . The initiative is not just about feeding children ; it ’ s about building a sustainable solution that taps into the state ’ s agricultural resources .
First Lady Gordon has been a driving force behind the Hunger Initiative . As a rancher herself , she has seen firsthand the challenges of food insecurity in the state , particularly when it comes to providing fresh , nutritious food .
“ As a producer myself , my vision for Wyoming Hunger Initiative was to always encompass a component of agriculture that would be part of the solution to food insecurity in the state ,” Gordon said . “ Fresh food and sources of high-quality protein are notoriously expensive and difficult to procure for anti-hunger organizations , making Beef for Backpacks a Wyoming solution to a Wyoming challenge .”
The program delivers fresh beef to local food-bag programs , which then distributes it to children participating in those programs . These bags typically contain non-perishable items , but with Beef for Backpacks , the addition of fresh protein gives children a healthier , more balanced diet . The beef is often donated by ranchers , processed locally , and packaged for distribution .
“ There are 6,796 kids in Wyoming participating in a weekend food-bag program ,” Gordon said . “ Beef for Backpacks is an example of the whole state coming together to make a difference for kids across Wyoming .”
The program was modeled after a similar program in Colorado and implemented so the state ’ s unique agricultural network could help support local communities .
“ Beef for Backpacks was conceptualized when Wyoming Hunger Initiative
received a call from Colorado , wanting to share their Beef Sticks for Backpacks program with Wyoming , to use the Wyoming network of resources to make this program a reality in Wyoming too ,” explained Gordon .
The Eisele family , of Wyoming ’ s King Ranch , is among the many ranches that contribute to the program . Mark Eisele , president of the NCBA , attributes the ranch ’ s participation to his daughter Kendall , who was instrumental in their first donation . The Eiseles have been vocal supporters of the Beef for Backpacks program , regularly donating animals from their herd to help feed children in need .
“ Beef for Backpacks is an important program because it helps provide Wyoming kids with a much-needed source of protein ,” Mark Eisele said . “ As a rancher , it ’ s important to me to know that I can help feed the next generation and support my community in a meaningful way . There ’ s nothing more rewarding than knowing that the beef from my ranch is going directly to kids who need it the most .”
The Beef for Backpacks program represents the heart of Wyoming ’ s agricultural community coming together to support the state ’ s most vulnerable citizens . It highlights the power of local resources , the generosity of ranchers , and the importance of community collaboration in fighting hunger .
While the program has made great strides in providing highquality beef to children in need , the fight against hunger in Wyoming remains ongoing . With the continued support of local farmers , ranchers and volunteers , the Wyoming Hunger Initiative is working to ensure no child goes hungry in the state .
“ By using Wyoming ’ s agricultural strength to address food insecurity , the Beef for Backpacks program demonstrates how when communities work together , real change is possible ,” Eisele said . www . NCBA . org NATIONAL CATTLEMEN 9