WY Governor Mark Gordon Issues Executive Order To Provide Summer Time Food For Some Children

Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) has signed an Executive Order 2026-02 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.

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. 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,” said Department of Family Services Director Korin Schmidt.

Governor Gordon and First Lady Jennie Gordon have worked tirelessly to lessen food insecurity and ensure Wyoming citizens across the state do not go hungry.  

In his State of the State address to the Wyoming Legislature the Governor asked the questions: “What kind of people are we if we won’t feed our kids? Why wouldn’t we do this?”  

The Governor went on to encourage the Legislature to implement the federal SUN Bucks program matching funds.  

That recommendation was squashed by the Legislature.

“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,” Governor Gordon said. “We have been able to cobble together a one-time-only, bare bones effort, using current Wyoming Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 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. “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 one-time funding effort ensures Wyoming is, as Representative Cody Wylie (R-Rock Springs) said on the floor of the House in support of the funding, “filling little bellies.”  

The Governor continues to call for the Legislature to fund this vital food insecurity program.

Click here to read the executive order