“This effort reflects Wyoming at its best” 





wyoming governor mark gordon




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

*Governor Gordon Reiterates Food Insecurity Needs Following Executive Order Regarding Federal SNAP Final Report Released: * *$2.4 million distributed statewide to food banks, pantries, and mobile programs*

"“This effort reflects Wyoming at its best.” "

*CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Dec. 23, 2025* - Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) reiterates the continued need to help fellow neighbors across Wyoming as food insecurity needs remain on the rise in Wyoming after the Department of Family Services (DFS) released their final report [ [link removed] ] regarding the October Executive Order. 

The Governor issued Executive Order 2025-08 [ [link removed] ]on October 31, 2025, declaring a Public Welfare Emergency in response to the impending lapse of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on November 1, due to the federal government shutdown in October and November 2025. That order was rescinded after the Federal Government reopened and SNAP benefits were restored.

The emergency declaration allowed the State of Wyoming to act quickly to temporarily prevent gaps in food access for vulnerable residents. Under the Governor’s direction, the DFS deployed emergency funds to support the Food Bank of Wyoming [ [link removed] ], food pantries, and mobile food pantry programs across the state.

“These were extraordinary circumstances that required immediate action,” Governor Gordon said. “When federal benefits were delayed, Wyoming stepped up to make sure Wyoming families didn’t go hungry. Our response was fast, targeted, and focused on getting healthy food to people who needed it. I’m proud of that work but I want to reiterate that this need has not ended with the restart of SNAP.”

Governor Gordon praised DFS, the State Budget Office, Wyoming’s food relief partners, and Wyoming 211 for moving quickly and effectively under tight timelines. 

“This effort reflects Wyoming at its best,” Gordon said. “State agencies, nonprofits, churches, and volunteers worked together to take care of our neighbors. I hope Wyomingites across the state know that their neighbors still need them.” 

The Governor has noted that every day volunteers in churches and non-profits provide food  across the state.  Yet, some in Wyoming remain hungry.  State and federal partners provide essential services to  help close that gap between those with and without food.

“Through Governor Gordon’s swift action Wyoming families had access to food when they needed it,” Director Korin Schmidt, Wyoming Department of Family Services said. “This collaborative effort met an immense and immediate need when federal benefits were not available. Our partners continue to face a food insecurity issue that remains a very real challenge in our state. Unfortunately, food insecurity is not decreasing.”

DFS worked directly with food banks and pantries to ensure funds were used efficiently and responsibly. All recipients formally accepted grant agreements and made reasonable efforts to purchase nutritious, healthy food, consistent with Executive Order 2025-07 [ [link removed] ]. DFS submitted a proposed week-to-week emergency hunger relief program to the Governor’s Office for approval, and disbursement began within days.

Checks were first issued on November 5, 2025. The emergency order remained in effect through November 19, 2025, providing two weeks of critical hunger relief assistance before being formally rescinded, following the end of the federal government shutdown. The full report from DFS can be found here. [ [link removed] ]

*Funding and Distribution*

A total of *$2,411,536.50* in emergency Hunger Relief Funds was distributed statewide:


* 14 Mobile Food Pantries: $33,696.00
* Independent Food Pantries: $207,043.75
* Food Pantries affiliated with the Food Bank of Wyoming: $1,074,444.42
* Food Bank of Wyoming*:* $1,096,352.33

*For more information: *

Amy Edmonds, Communications Director, [email protected] 

Janelle Collins, Strategic Communications Director, [email protected]

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 Wyoming Seal [ [link removed] ]

   



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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Governor of Wyoming · State Capitol, 200 West 24th St · Cheyenne, WY 82002-0012 · 307-777-7434 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]