Local opportunities to give back this Thanksgiving - Buckrail

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Multiple factors including supply chain disruptions, low inventory and labor shortages are contributing to increased costs for food pantries in Wyoming this holiday season. Photo: Joel Muniz

JACKSON, Wyo. — Whether looking to give back this holiday season or in need of assistance in finding a warm holiday meal, the celebration of thanks and giving can be found throughout the valley.

Make at Home Meal Kits at One22 Resource Center

Any community member seeking Thanksgiving dinner fixings is invited to One22 Resource Center’s Jackson Cupboard this week for make-at-home meal kits with all the trimmings.

Meal kits contain turkey and all the fixings, homemade pies; a selection of tamales; and other treats to dress your table.

Community-wide partners have been instrumental in bringing this together including Albertson’s, Vertical Harvest, members of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints and many other volunteers throughout the valley.

On Thanksgiving, One22 employees and dedicated volunteers will take a break to enjoy the holiday. One22 Resource Center, including the Jackson Cupboard, will close at noon on Thanksgiving eve and reopen on Monday, Nov. 29.

“After a busy year in all our lives, taking the time for ourselves and each other has never been more important,” said Executive Director of One22 Resource Center, Sharel Lund.

“We have much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. However, we also recognize that many experience challenges not new to our community—housing, electricity and medical bills, and food insecurity. Through our make-at-home meal kits, we hope folks will gather around with friends and family to be comforted and connected in the way food often allows us,” said Lund.

There is no need to sign up for the meal kits in advance. These kits and the usual wide variety of groceries and household items are ready for pick up during open hours at the Jackson Cupboard: Monday 12–6 p.m., Tuesday 12–6 p.m., and Wednesday 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Jackson Hole Food Resources

Jackson has many resources for those who are short on food this Thanksgiving. Whether you are away from family, quarantining with COVID, or just finding yourself short on funds, the community offers resources for everyone.

Here’s a quick list of Thanksgiving meal resources in Jackson.

The Presbyterian Church has Thanksgiving meals to go for their weekly Wednesday dinner beginning at 5 p.m.
The Senior Center of Jackson Hole will provide Thanksgiving lunches for pick-up, courtesy of First Interstate Bank, on Wednesday from 12–1 p.m. Reserve your lunch by calling the Senior Center at 307-733-7300 before 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23.
The Elks Club will have meals for pick up on Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The First Baptist Church will host a fellowship dinner in-person on Thanksgiving Day, with doors opening at 4 p.m. and dinner served at 5 p.m.

A full list of food resources can be found online at jhfoodhelp.com.

Thanksgiving Outdoor Gear Drive

Local nonprofits Carving the Future and Spread the Love Commission will collect warm winter clothes and snowboard gear on Nov. 27 and 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Coombs Outdoors Office on 335 S Millward St. Gear donations will go to local youth in need, the Wind River Reservation and Jackson’s homeless population.

The gear drive is seeking donations of socks, base layers, snow pants, jackets, gloves, scarves, hats/beanies, blankets, sleeping bags, helmets, snowboards, snowboard boots and bindings.

Wyoming Hunger Initiative

First Lady Jennie Gordon’s Wyoming Hunger Initiative will also help provide Thanksgiving meals across the state.

“Project #thankfulwyoming is well underway where Wyoming Hunger Initiative is committed to making sure that anti-hunger organizations across the state have access to funding to purchase full Thanksgiving meals for families that need it most,” said First Lady Jennie Gordon in a statement last week.

Recently, local nonprofit Jackson Cupboard received a large donation from hunters through Wyoming Hunger Initiative.

“100 pounds of elk went to the Jackson Cupboard last week to be distributed to families in need of high-quality protein in Teton County,” said First Lady Jennie Gordon. “This Food from the Field donation was made possible because of hunters in the Star Valley area who donated their harvest and the Star Valley Meat Block for this continued partnership with Wyoming Hunger Initiative.”

Multiple factors including supply chain disruptions, low inventory and labor shortages are contributing to increased costs for food pantries in Wyoming this holiday season. If you are interested in giving back click here to donate.

About The Author

Buckrail @ Caroline

Caroline Chapman is a Community News Reporter who recently made Jackson home. Born and raised in Connecticut, she enjoys reading non-fiction, skiing, hiking, and playing piano in her downtime. She is most passionate about delivering and pursuing stories that directly impact the lives of individuals in the community. Her favorite aspect about living in Jackson is the genuine admiration that Wyomingites share for the land and the life that it sustains.