Food Bank of Sweetwater County History The doors of the Green River Food Pantry opened on February 17, 1987.
At the time, donations of food and time were relied on to ensure distribution, and only non-perishable (mostly canned) foods were able to be accepted. household.
There was a major fire in Rock Springs in December 1989, and it was necessary to find a new location.
With the help of the City of Rock Springs, and the late Ray Lovato, a Community Development Block Grant was awarded for the purchase and renovation of the current facility at 90 Center Street.
Later that year, United Way's task force on hunger began looking into the need for food assistance county-wide. United Way became a financial partner in the operation of a county-wide food assistance program.
The first 'official' day for food distribution was held in January of 1988. Small pantries also became part of the program in Reliance and Superior. Superior's pantry closed in 1997 and Reliance's in 1989.
The Food Bank started with a small amount of food, and small grants for part-time help to plan and purchase food. There were no guidelines, rules, or laws to define how to run an accountable program. All procedures were developed, tried, and tested.