Board Member Spotlight: Steve Haefs

The Edible Prairie Project is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors, made up of seven dedicated members. Each board member brings unique skills, experience, and passion that help guide our mission of bridging the food insecurity gap in Campbell County. We deeply appreciate their time, expertise, and commitment.

In this issue, we’re highlighting Steve Haefs, who has served on our board since 2024.

What inspired you to join our Board?

A few years after returning to Gillette, I felt a strong urge to find a meaningful way to contribute to the well-being of my hometown. Upon hearing of the Edible Prairie Project, I made the decision to investigate. What I discovered was a grassroots organization that was passionate about providing the most basic of needs…sustainable, locally grown healthy foods to those neighbors struggling with food insecurity. Knowing that I could be part of this work and make a positive difference made the decision easy.

What does access to fresh, local food mean to you?

Sometimes things occur that truly open your eyes and heart. I never “saw” how much of a need there was for what Edible Prairie Project was offering. It only took participating in one Veggie Basket giveaway to convince me that what we are doing is necessary and meaningful. Watching the expressions on the faces of the kids when they saw the bright colors and marvelous textures of the produce filling those white laundry baskets was the greatest of gifts.

What's something people might be surprised to learn about you?

Being raised in “Beef Country”, I do enjoy the wonderful, fresh beef we have available to us here in Wyoming. Few things in life can beat the perfectly grilled ribeye…medium rare. However, my true culinary love is fresh seafood. Trout is ok, salmon is good, and walleye is great. But after a glorious vacation to the Peloponnese region of Greece, I had some of the most delightful dishes with fresh calamari, squid, sea bass, and crab…fresh from the waters we were watching. Someday…Maine for fresh lobsta!