N※N

Boxes of hope: Food Bank of Wyoming, University of Wyoming volunteers fight food insecurity

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/08 .. of-wyoming-volunteers-fight-food-insecurity.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 8:33 GMT by Wyoming News
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Boxes of Hope: University of Wyoming Volunteers Pack the Future of Food Security in Laramie

In a bright, bustling room on the University of Wyoming campus, volunteers in bright orange vests and reusable tote bags have spent the past few weeks packing thousands of “Boxes of Hope” destined for families across the state. The event, part of the Food Bank of Wyoming’s nationwide hunger‑relief initiative, illustrates how a university community can help tackle one of the most pressing social challenges in the Mountain West: food insecurity.

The Food Bank of Wyoming – A Lifeline for 300,000 Residents

The Food Bank of Wyoming, the largest hunger‑relief organization in the state, serves roughly 300,000 people annually through a network of 90 agencies—including churches, shelters, food‑pantry chains, and community centers—spanning Wyoming’s rural counties and urban hubs. According to the Food Bank’s 2023 annual report, they distribute approximately 1.1 million pounds of food each year, a number that has steadily increased since the COVID‑19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and amplified unemployment rates. “We’ve seen a surge in demand since the pandemic,” notes Lisa McNabb, the Food Bank’s Executive Director. “Our community has rallied to meet that need, and today’s volunteer event is a shining example of that spirit.”

The organization’s flagship program, “Boxes of Hope,” was launched in 2019 in partnership with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Each Box of Hope contains a carefully curated selection of shelf‑stable staples—canned beans, pasta, rice, and dehydrated fruits—as well as a few fresh items like frozen vegetables when the weather permits. A portion of the boxes also includes personal‑care items, such as toothpaste and soap, recognizing that food insecurity extends beyond the pantry.

Laramie’s Students Answer the Call

At the heart of this volunteer effort were more than 120 University of Wyoming students and staff, many of whom had previously participated in the university’s “Service 360” program—a credit‑bearing service‑learning course that pairs local nonprofit projects with student teams. “It feels good to be part of something larger than ourselves,” says sophomore biology major Maya Patel. “I’ve never seen so many people coming together to pack these boxes. It’s a reminder that community matters.”

The event began at 9 a.m. in the university’s student union and moved to the university’s new Food Recovery Initiative (FRI) facility, where an 800‑square‑foot packing station is set up with pallets, shelves, and a refrigerated unit for perishable items. Volunteers were divided into teams based on experience: seasoned packers taught new volunteers how to read nutrition labels, identify the best items for families with children, and maintain proper hygiene protocols to preserve food safety.

The Food Bank’s online volunteer portal, linked in the original article’s “Volunteer” section, provides a comprehensive list of upcoming events. Students can sign up for 4‑hour blocks that fit around their class schedules. This streamlined system ensures that volunteers can commit to a flexible, meaningful contribution.

Impact Numbers That Speak Volumes

While the article’s primary focus is the volunteer experience, the Food Bank’s website (linked in the article’s “Boxes of Hope” section) details the program’s measurable impact. In the past 12 months alone, the Food Bank has delivered more than 45,000 Boxes of Hope to families across the state. Each box averages 25 pounds of food, translating to roughly 1.1 million pounds of assistance.

Beyond the weight, the program’s impact is personal. “Last year, my family’s grocery budget was stretched thin. Having a Box of Hope on our table meant we could provide a nutritious dinner for the kids, and we didn’t have to rely on the emergency food bank for basic staples,” recounts Laramie resident and Food Bank client, Maria Torres. “It was a lifesaver.”

The Food Bank’s data also indicate a shift in the demographics of those served. “We’re seeing more young families and seniors in the rural counties,” notes McNabb. “The pandemic brought many people to a point where they had to rely on community support, and our volunteers have played a critical role in that.”

Beyond Packing – Building Resilience

While the act of packing boxes is central, the Food Bank and the university see this event as a gateway to broader community engagement. The university’s outreach program, highlighted in a secondary link on the article, is partnering with local farms to integrate locally sourced produce into future Box of Hope deliveries. The goal is to reduce the environmental footprint of the program while supporting Wyoming’s agricultural economy.

Additionally, the Food Bank is investing in “food‑bank‑plus” technology, an online platform that tracks inventory, volunteer hours, and distribution metrics. The system, mentioned in the article’s “Technology” section, allows volunteers to see real‑time data on how many boxes have been sent to a particular region, fostering a sense of accountability and transparency.

A Call to Action

The article concludes with a rallying cry: “Food insecurity is not a distant problem—it’s happening right here, in our own backyards.” The Food Bank invites the public to donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word. The “Donate” link, found at the bottom of the article, offers multiple options, including monetary contributions, food drives, and corporate sponsorships.

For students at the University of Wyoming, the next “Boxes of Hope” event is scheduled for March 14th, with a similar format and a focus on sustainability. Faculty members encourage participation as part of their course requirements, underscoring the university’s commitment to social responsibility.

The Bigger Picture

The story of “Boxes of Hope” is one of community resilience, institutional partnership, and proactive hunger‑relief. By mobilizing a generation of students and staff, the University of Wyoming demonstrates how academic institutions can become catalysts for social change. Meanwhile, the Food Bank of Wyoming, through its robust network and data‑driven strategies, continues to lead the fight against food insecurity in the state.

In a time when economic uncertainty looms and supply chains face disruptions, initiatives like Boxes of Hope remind us that collective effort can turn crisis into opportunity—one packed box at a time.