Op-Ed: The Wyoming Way: Neighbor Helping Neighbor

By Senator Eric Barlow

In Wyoming, we don’t wait for others to fix our problems—we roll up our sleeves and help each other. When government systems stall or break down, families, churches, and food pantries step forward. That’s the Wyoming way.

Tens of thousands of people across our state depend on federal food assistance to get by. When that support is interrupted—as can happen during shutdowns or funding lapses—our local communities step in. Families come together, volunteers pitch in, and neighbors quietly ensure no one goes hungry.

Losing support overnight is frightening, especially for seniors, working parents, and veterans on fixed incomes. But it also reminds us of what keeps our state strong: the simple habit of looking out for each other.

Across Wyoming, food pantries and community groups are stepping up to meet growing needs. Their efforts remind us that generosity isn’t about policies, it’s about people. When one neighbor helps another, it strengthens the entire community.

Public service isn’t limited to elected office or government programs. It lives in every person willing to help without being asked, to give without expecting credit, and to lead by example. It’s the quiet acts of service—the neighbor who plows a driveway, the ranch family delivering hay to a friend in need, the church group stocking a food shelf—that hold our communities together. 

If you’re able, donate to your local food bank; even a few dollars can go a long way in a small town. Volunteer to prepare meals or deliver groceries to families, seniors, and veterans facing food insecurity. Check in on your neighbors, especially those who live alone or may need a hand through the winter. Support the churches, 4-H clubs, and civic groups that quietly make Wyoming stronger every day.

When the federal system slows down, Wyoming’s spirit persists. We show up, feed a neighbor, lend a hand, and protect the land we call home.

That’s not politics. That’s Wyoming.