Governor announces one-time funds for summer food program

CHEYENNE (WNE) — Gov. Mark Gordon on Wednesday signed an executive order regarding the federal summer nutritional program called SUN Bucks, announcing the state has been able to pull together the resources needed to ensure low-income children will receive much-needed meals throughout the summer months across Wyoming.

As grocery prices rise, Wyoming families are struggling to put food on the table, a news release from the governor’s office said. The SUN Bucks program was a part of the Department of Family Services exception budget request during the recent budget session but was not funded by the Wyoming Legislature.

“When school lets out for the summer, children who qualify for free and reduced-price school meals lose access to the daily nutritious meals they rely on,” said Department of Family Services Director Korin Schmidt in the release. “Existing summer meal sites are vital, but families often face accessibility challenges due to working parents’ schedules and transportation barriers. This program bridges that nutrition gap and sets kids up for success when school starts again.”

“While the Legislature was unwilling to make sure our young children get food throughout the summer months, we have stepped up to ensure it happens,” Gordon said in the release. “We have been able to cobble together a one-time-only, bare bones effort, using current Wyoming Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program data and Department of Education data, to ensure current eligible children will be fed.”

“Wonderful things happen when Wyoming comes together to ensure children are fed during the summer months. Expanding access to nutritious food for families in our rural communities makes our entire state stronger,” first lady Jennie Gordon said in the release. “I am deeply grateful to the Governor’s office, Director Schmidt, and her dedicated team for making SUN Bucks a reality in Wyoming this summer.”

This story was published on April 16, 2026.