March 2, 2026
If you're facing food insecurity in Albany County, you're not alone, and help is available. With more than 6,000 people in our community lacking consistent access to nutritious food, understanding the various food assistance programs can make a real difference in your life or in someone you know.
If you're facing food insecurity in Albany County, you're not alone, and help is available. With more than 6,000 people in our community lacking consistent access to nutritious food, understanding the various food assistance programs can make a real difference in your life or in someone you know.
At Laramie Interfaith, we work alongside several federal and state programs to ensure our neighbors have access to the food they need. Here's what you should know about three key programs: SNAP, TEFAP, and CSFP.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP (formerly called food stamps), is a federal program that provides monthly benefits to help low-income households buy the food they need for good health. Benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card at grocery stores.
Eligibility is based on household size, income, and resources:
Wyoming residents can apply for SNAP online through the Wyoming Eligibility System, in person at a local Department of Family Services office, or by mail. You'll need to complete an interview and provide documentation of income and expenses. In Wyoming, SNAP benefits are deposited on the first four days of each month based on the first letter of your last name.
Please note that eligibility requirements can vary, and many factors may affect your eligibility. We encourage you to check with your local DFS office for a full list. If you need help with your SNAP application, we can assist you at our office.
Contact the Wyoming Department of Family Services at 307-777-7564 or toll-free at 800-457-3659, or visit your local DFS office for assistance.
TEFAP is a federal program that provides emergency food assistance to low-income households at no cost. Through TEFAP, the USDA purchases 100% American-grown foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, grains, and other nutritious items, and distributes them through food banks like the Food Bank of Wyoming to local organizations like Laramie Interfaith.
Laramie Interfaith serves as a TEFAP distribution site in partnership with the Food Bank of Wyoming. We host at least one TEFAP distribution each month, providing boxes of USDA commodity foods to qualifying individuals and families. Distribution takes place on the Friday that follows the fourth Thursday of the month. Please be aware that holidays may alter these distribution days, so check with us if you’re unsure.
Important details:
TEFAP provides a variety of nutritious foods that may include:
The specific items vary based on agricultural market conditions and USDA purchases, but all foods are high-quality and nutritious.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program, also known as Senior Boxes, is a federal program specifically designed to improve the health of low-income seniors by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA foods. This program recognizes that seniors often face difficult choices between food and other basic needs like medication, utilities, and housing.
CSFP serves individuals who are:
Currently, CSFP is available in the following Wyoming counties:
Each monthly food box contains approximately 30 pounds of nutritious, shelf-stable foods specifically selected to supplement nutrients often lacking in seniors' diets. Typical items include:
Boxes also include nutrition education materials and recipes to help you make the most of the foods provided.
Research shows that the CSFP food package is nutritionally dense, scoring 83.6 on the Healthy Eating Index, significantly higher than the average American diet. The monthly box provides about 23% of seniors' total energy needs and contains at least a third of the recommended daily intake of protein, calcium, and essential vitamins. These nutrients help seniors maintain better health and potentially avoid costly hospitalizations.
To apply for CSFP in Albany County, visit the Laramie Interfaith office. Please be aware that this is a very small program with limited availability and a significant waitlist. Once approved, participants can pick up their monthly box at our office during the first week of each month, starting on the first Monday. Please note that pickup must be done in person; we do not offer delivery.
If you or someone you know needs food assistance:
Laramie Interfaith relies on the generous donations of time, food, and money from our community to continue our work. You can make a difference by:
Together, we can ensure that no one in Albany County goes hungry. Whether you need assistance or want to help others, Laramie Interfaith is here to serve as a bridge between neighbors in need and the resources available to help them thrive.
As our mission continues, we will have more and more insight into what we strive for in the Laramie community. Stay tuned to what we are up too with more of our press releases:
