During the winter months and holiday season, most are in the giving mood and naturally the Food Bank of Sweetwater County benefits from this.
However, in the summer months donations are needed just as much, which is why the Food Bank is hosting a summertime food drive.
Food bank executive director Kathy Siler said currently the Green River facility is serving 100 families twice a month, while Rock Springs is serving 250 families twice a month.
“The need is actually great in Rock Springs right now,” Siler said. “I would say there is a shortage in Rock Springs.”
However, Siler said she doesn’t want to downplay the fact that Green River is also in need. Even though the food banks are under the Food Bank of Sweetwater County, the donations stay in the town they were donated. So there is no transferring of food from Rock Springs to Green River or vice versa.
All nonperishable food items are greatly appreciated, however some of the items needed most are items not always donated that much including, cereal and canned items such as meat, chili, ravioli, spaghetti and fruit.
When children are home from school in the summer, there is just an added pressure for families. Siler said children are just more active in the summer and that increases their appetites.
“Kids are just at home more and burning more calories as well,” Siler said.
Although there is a free food for kids ages three to 18 in Sweetwater County this summer through Sweetwater County School District No. 2, Siler is not sure how many are taking advantage of this.
She said this is a great program, but there is one problem she can see. Parents still have to get to work so they may not be able to get their kids to the program.
According to a flyer, from the school district, breakfast begins at 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Jackson Elementary School and lunch is at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at that school on Monday through Friday. Breakfast and lunch are also offered at the same time, at 1400 Bridger Ave. in the community room on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. No applications or registrations are required.
“I’m not sure how many take advantage of the summer-feeding program,” Siler said.
When supplies start to get lower, Siler looks toward money donations to see how much they can order from the Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies. She said she is able to purchase a lot of food for her money through them, which is why money donations are so important.
“Green River is starting to get a little low, but I can really see in Rock Springs that we are really getting depleted,” she said.
To restock the food, Siler is asking the community for food or monetary donations. They can drop off donations at the Green River Food Bank on the first and third Thursdays of the month between 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at the Rock Springs Food Bank on Monday, Tuesday or Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon or on Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. The food drives are how the banks collect a wide variety of food for those in need.
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