Food basket goes to donations

by Cat Urbigkit

The Sublette County Commission met Tuesday and learned that the Pinedale Food Basket has decided to change the way it operates in order to resolve the issue of the county supporting an entity that competes with private enterprise.

Last month, the commission became aware that the Pinedale Food Basket in Pinedale was operating a thrift store out of a county-provided building, generating a complaint of competing from a private business in Pinedale.

On Tuesday, Commission Chair Betty Fear said she had received a letter from the Pinedale Food Basket proposing to resolve the problem by operating strictly on a donation basis.

According to the letter, signs in the store will state: “All items in the thrift store are free. If you wish to make a donation to supportthe Food Basket, which provides food to needy individuals and families in Sublette County, please feel free. Thank you for your support.”

Fear said, “This should take care of the issue.”

Commissioner Bill Cramer said he had also spoke with Claudie Meyer from the food basket and “thanked her profusely” for resolving the issue in this manner and for all her volunteer efforts.