CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Meals on Wheels of Cheyenne received a grant Wednesday that will help address the city’s growing demand for food relief.
Broadband and cable company Spectrum donated a $5,000 grant to Meals on Wheels on Wednesday as part of one of the company’s philanthropic programs. To celebrate the occasion, Spectrum representatives met with various Wyoming and Laramie County elected officials, who provided sentiments about the grant’s impact.
“Coming out of the pandemic, we saw a lot of people who were in need of more food and delivery,” Stephanie Freeman, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Cheyenne, told Cap City News. Freeman said variables such as rising inflation and cost of living have spurred residents to seek out the nonprofit food organization for assistance.
“The impact we have on these nonprofits like Meals on Wheels is immense,” said Danielle Dunn, director of communications for Charter Communications, which manages the Spectrum brand. Spectrum is the sponsor for Meals on Wheels of Cheyenne for the month of April.
Several elected officials at the local and state levels met with Meals on Wheels of Cheyenne and Spectrum staff during Wednesday’s award event. Guests included Wyoming State House representatives Dan Zwonitzer, Bill Henderson and Tamara Trujillo as well as City of Cheyenne councilmembers Ken Esquibel and Michelle Aldrich.
Zwonitzer — who is chair of the Wyoming Legislature’s Labor, Health & Social Services Committee — expressed his admiration for Meals on Wheels of Cheyenne.
“There really is a need for charitable giving,” Zwonitzer said. “Meals on Wheels is more than just food. … It’s a lifeline for the community.”
Esquibel, who volunteered inside the organization’s kitchen in March, also applauded the organization’s work.
“The food is amazing, the staff is amazing,” the city councilmember said. “I don’t know where I’d be without you guys.”
To close out the event, Dunn handed an oversized $5,000 check to Freeman that symbolized Spectrum’s $5,000 donation. Those in attendance then stood for a photo together.
Meals on Wheels of Cheyenne served around 133,000 meals in 2023, Freeman told Cap City News. She believes the organization is set to surpass that metric for 2024. In March alone, Meals on Wheels of Cheyenne prepared and sent out over 12,000 bundles of food.
