CASPER, WY — In a show of community solidarity, the Food Bank of Wyoming announced a partnership with Smith’s Food and Drug to launch a statewide food drive ahead of Thanksgiving. The drive runs Nov. 1‑15 at every Smith’s location in Wyoming, each store working with a local Hunger Relief Partner to funnel donations directly to neighbors in need.

How the drive works

Shoppers can bring non‑perishable items to any Smith’s store or add extra items at the checkout. Each store’s collected food is earmarked for its designated Hunger Relief Partner, ensuring that contributions stay within the community they are meant to help.

Special Thanksgiving contribution

Smith’s is also donating 100 hams to the Food Bank of Wyoming’s Hunger Relief Partners, including Joshua’s Storehouse and The Salvation Army in Casper, to bolster the annual Thanksgiving Food Distribution.

Voices from the partnership

“When you think of the holidays, you think of time with family and eating delicious food,” said Lisette Saldaña‑Capulet, Smith’s Communications & Public Affairs Manager. “We hope this food drive can help families in need keep their Thanksgiving traditions alive with a little help from their community and Smith’s.”

Olivia McCarthy, Director of Development for the Food Bank of Wyoming, added, “More of our Wyoming neighbors are facing food insecurity, and we know the holidays can bring added financial pressure for families. By coming together, we can make our resources go further, strengthen our community, and help families get the food they need to share good meals and create meaningful memories.”

Ways to get involved

Beyond donating food, the Food Bank of Wyoming encourages monetary contributions, noting that every dollar provides enough food for three meals. Volunteers are also welcomed to help build food boxes at the Casper Distribution Center or join a To‑Go Volunteer Project in their area.

Community members who wish to support the effort can find a list of participating Smith’s stores on the Food Bank’s website, along with details on local Hunger Relief Partners. The partnership underscores the power of collaboration in tackling food insecurity, especially as 1 in 6 Wyoming residents currently face hunger and food costs continue to rise.

Looking ahead

The Food Bank of Wyoming and Smith’s hope the drive will inspire ongoing generosity throughout the holiday season, reinforcing the principle that local action can make a tangible difference for families across the state.

Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.