Neighbors helping neighbors for 37 years
he bustling scene in the parking lot of Super Save on Paseo del Pueblo Sur was nothing compared to the throngs of foot traffic inside. The store’s aisles and checkout counters were jammed with the happy recipients of free hams and food vouchers supplied to them by the non-profit organization, Taos Feeds Taos, who made 2022 their most successful outreach year since they began in 1986.
“We raised enough funds this year to feed 1,145 households throughout Taos County,” Executive Board President Francis Cordova said at the event, which was held on Dec. 19. “This was from our fundraisers, private donations and the generosity of our many sponsors.”
The New Mexico National Guard, the Taos High School soccer team and employees from Kit Carson Electric Cooperative were on hand to assist shoppers with loading their overflowing carts into their vehicles and returning carts to those patiently waiting inside. Despite the crowds, everyone was in a jubilant mood and the store buzzed with Christmas music provided by Native Son and the good energy that comes from neighbors looking out for each other.
Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández joined Taos Feeds Taos board members for the opening ceremonies, as did Town of Taos Mayor Pascual Maestas, Taos County Commissioner Darlene Vigil, and Aaliyah Quintana from U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich’s office. Larry Torres gave the blessing.
Jesus Martinez, the store manager of Super Save, said the move of Taos Feeds Taos from food baskets to the store vouchers was one of the positive impacts emanating from the pandemic. “The baskets were a huge help for families but sometimes there were items they couldn’t use; things like food allergies or other problems. Now, people can buy what they want and need,” he said as he surveyed the scene.
“We couldn’t make this happen without the support of Super Save,” Mr. Cordova said. “They also host our car show and auction, held in their parking lot the last weekend of every July, with their vendors supplying many of the auction items, like televisions and grills.” Mr. Martinez added that a pair of Dallas Cowboys tickets were among the items that raised a total of $10,000 in 2022, over a threefold increase in what was raised at the first show six years ago.
Board member Judy Weinrobe was equally enthused with the turnout and with the year’s banner fundraising. “We noted an increase in first-time applicants,” as was to be expected during hard economic times. “Maybe next year they will be back on their feet and we won’t see them again, but this is the mission of Taos Feeds Taos: to help our neighbors in Taos County when they need it.”
Taos Feeds Taos noted the generosity of Super Save owner Roger Lowe, Sr.; Taos Community Foundation; LOR Foundation; Taos Association of Realtors; ACE Hardware; and DeVargas Funeral Home. Both KCEC and the Town of Taos included fundraising appeal letters with their utility bills, attracting private donors.
We raised enough funds this year to feed 1,145 households throughout Taos County, FRANCIS CORDOVA
One of the Taos Feeds Taos founders, former mayor Eloy Jeanette, passed away in 2022, which had Mr. Cordova pondering the future of the program. “We need to bring in more young volunteers to preserve the future of this,” he said. If you are looking for a way to give back to your community, then consider this a call to action and sign up at their website.
In addition to Francis Cordova, the Executive Board of Taos Feeds Taos includes Louise Gallegos (Vice President); Mike F. Martinez (Treasurer); and Cathy Jeantete Aragon (Secretary). Judy Weinrobe and Ernestina Cordova are joined by Andrea Chavez, Mary Trujillo Mascarenas, Pauline Mondragon, Gloria Salazar and Michael Santistevan as board members.
“I was raised to believe that all the good you put out into the world comes back to you,” said Mr. Cordova. In 2022, Taos Feeds Taos once again proved the magic of good karma.
TAOS FEEDS TAOS
Taos Feeds Taos, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that relies upon the generosity of the local Taos community. For more information, please visit tasofeedstaos.org or email ft@taosfeedstaos.org.