(Lander, WY) – When food insecurity was thrust into the national spotlight with the closure of the US government, furloughed workers, and the delay of SNAP benefits, the Lander Community came together with a solution.
“Feed Fremont County” began with a quick question on October 30th: Are any musicians willing to come together to help the food bank? When local resident Sarah Reilley asked this question, the first responses came rapidly.
The Tinderwoods, Nightfire, and Tom Brady were all on board. Within hours, Fremont Music offered up sound, and by November 3rd, the venue was set. Over the next thirteen days, Reilley and local expert volunteer Carol Smith, friends with deep dedication to the welfare of the community, connected with businesses and community members to build an event with 20 raffle baskets, 12 silent auction items, 21 varieties of soup, and enough bread to feed a small army.
When the doors opened on November 16th, people poured in. The event served more than 100 community members and collected 611 pounds of food to distribute around the food banks and food pantries in Fremont County.
Cash donations were raised specifically for the Lander Care and Share Food Bank, which will receive $5847, providing an entire month of food, thanks to the generosity of Fremont County.
While the government has reopened and SNAP cards have been loaded, the reality of food insecurity in Fremont County is still sobering. Lander Care and Share Food Bank serves nearly two thousand people each month, and is one of ten food banks in Fremont County. Residents of Fremont County can utilize the service once per month, regardless of which community they call home.
One thing became clear to organizers of the first “Feed Fremont County” fundraiser: the people of Fremont County care. Reilley couldn’t believe the turnout for an event she’d envisioned might raise a few hundred dollars. Smith, a long-time coordinator for events such as Relay for Life and a volunteer with the food bank knew the turnout would be strong.
Both, however, knew that the event would not have been possible without the generosity of sponsors, including Western Printing, The Tinderwoods, Nightfire, Tom Brady, Fremont Music, The Inn at Lander, WyoToday, Safeway, and Mr. D’s. The collaborative nature of the event also contributed to its success, as community members made the meal with love.
Organizers look forward to seeing this event again in future years, at least until every Fremont County resident knows they regularly have a hot meal at home. To make donations to the food bank, you can stop in during business hours, Tuesday through Thursday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and Thursday from 5-6 pm, or mail a check to 281 Garfield St., Lander, WY 82520
(The above information was provided to County 10 by Sarah Reilley.)
Organizer Sarah Reilley thanks the attendees, volunteers, and sponsors before the music starts. A smorgasbord of soup, bread, and treats. A smorgasbord of soup, bread, and treats. Nightfire kicks off the concert. 
The Tinderwoods keep the music rolling and toes tapping. h/t Candice Frude Tom Brady closes out the show.
h/t Vince Tropea, County 10