The Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) has recently completed the Wyoming Food Systems Assessment conducted by NourishedRx. This assessment, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), aims to improve the management and distribution of food for needy individuals in the state. Through a year-long project, NourishedRx engaged with various stakeholders across Wyoming and made recommendations to enhance food acquisition and distribution, boost local production, and address food waste.
Governor Gordon’s Survive, Drive, and Thrive strategy aligns with the assessment’s goal of meeting urgent needs while also addressing systemic issues within the food system. NourishedRx’s recommendations include investing in forward-contracts between Wyoming producers and food pantries, food aggregation and distribution logistics, statewide food systems coordination, and connecting food insecure individuals to resources to thrive. These recommendations have been endorsed by DFS and further ARPA funding has been allocated to implement them during the 2023 Legislative Session.
“We hope that this assessment will inform the utilization of ARPA funds and provide a framework for strengthening Wyoming’s food system. The state is poised for resiliency and growth, focusing on food for those in need and those who produce it,” said NourishedRx. A Funding Announcement & Request for Application will be released in the coming weeks to support the implementation of these recommendations.
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