CHEYENNE, WYO – Over 20,000 pounds of food were donated to Wyoming local community food pantries at the University of Wyoming football game opener on September 3rd through the Tackle Hunger Food Drive. The food drive was a partnership between Wyoming first lady Jennie Gordon’s Wyoming Hunger Initiative, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming, and Ridley’s Family Markets to fight food insecurity. This is the second year for Tackle Hunger, which collected over 4,000 pounds of food in its debut.
The food drive partnership expanded this year to include Ridley’s Family Markets. Ridley’s Family Markets is a family-owned chain of grocery stores with five locations in Wyoming. Each Wyoming store location was a team player and sold bags of food, which were donated to local food pantries.
In addition to the nonperishable items donated across the state, and in support of Hunger Action Month, BCBSWY made a $50,000 donation to Wyoming Hunger Initiative. This is in addition to a $25,000 gift from the BCBSWY Caring Foundation.
“Food insecurity exists in Wyoming and together we can tackle this challenge,” said Diane Gore, BCBSWY president and CEO. “Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming continues our commitment to improving the health and wellness of lives across the great state of Wyoming. We are extremely thankful to partner with First Lady Jennie Gordon, Ridley’s Family Markets, and the University of Wyoming for this community-driven effort.”
“While it comes as no surprise, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming stepped up in a big way by leveraging their sponsorship of the opening Cowboy Football game to raise awareness and initiate action across the state in terms of food insecurity. Hunger is often an invisible problem that requires partnerships to cast a spotlight that brings all of the right people to the table.” says First Lady Jennie Gordon.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming (BCBSWY), a not-for-profit health insurer and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, provides access to high quality health care coverage, services and programs to help our members make the best health care decisions and get the best care. With 10 locations across Wyoming, we provide hometown service to residents and businesses while serving people and charitable organizations in communities around the state. Learn more about us at BCBSWY.com.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield Caring Foundation of Wyoming: As a caring community, BCBSWY has been involved in promoting the good health and well-being of Wyoming residents by participating in and contributing to many health-related charities and causes. In 1990, BCBSWY established the Caring Foundation of Wyoming to help sustain this mission. The Caring Foundation of Wyoming focuses its support through charitable giving. For more information, visit www.bcbswy.com/company_info/foundation