Across the high plains and mountain valleys of Wyoming, food insecurity poses a quiet but persistent challenge for local families. In a state known for its vast rural landscapes and harsh winter weather, over 16 percent of Wyoming residents—and 21 percent of children—experience food insecurity each year¹. That means that 1 in every 5 young people across the state lacks reliable access to enough nutritious food to live a healthy, active life². Because roughly 62 percent of food-insecure households in Wyoming earn above the income threshold for federal assistance like SNAP, working families frequently turn to local non-profits, food banks, and emergency shelters to stretch their budgets and keep healthy meals on the table³.
In the windy, high-altitude city of Casper, extreme weather and short growing seasons make getting fresh, affordable produce especially difficult for local households. In Natrona County, many low-income families rely heavily on cheap, shelf-stable foods because fresh fruits and vegetables are expensive and hard to come by during long winter months. At the same time, many local kids grow up disconnected from where their food comes from or how crops are grown in high-plains climates. Local leaders in Casper recognize that solving food insecurity takes long-term education—teaching kids how to grow hardy crops, nurture urban micro-farms, and build lasting food independence for their own neighborhoods.
This summer, HXP Builders will head to Casper to partner with the Wyoming Rescue Mission and the Grow Casper initiative on high-impact agricultural and community projects! Working with local mentors, Builders will help cultivate farm and urban greenhouse spaces, mix nutrient-rich soil, and grow fresh produce specifically for local families facing food insecurity. Alongside physical building and harvesting work, Builders will help lead interactive agricultural workshops for local kids—teaching them how to plant seeds, care for crops, and understand where their food comes from. Through this hands-on partnership, HXP Builders will help expand access to fresh, healthy meals while empowering the next generation with practical skills, food confidence, and strong community connections.
Sources:
¹ Feeding America – Map the Meal Gap: Wyoming Food Insecurity & Overall Hunger Metrics
² Nourishing Neighbors / Feeding America – Wyoming Local Impact & Child Hunger Statistics
³ Wyoming Food Coalition & State Food Networks – Barriers to Fresh Produce Access & Household Program Eligibility in Wyoming
⁴ Wyoming Rescue Mission & Grow Casper – Community Urban Agriculture, Youth Education & Emergency Food Programs