War on hunger
On the front lines in NM’s battle to feed families in need
Editor’s note: Today, the Journal begins its Help for the Holidays series, which spotlights areas in which community members can reach out to neighbors in need. The series continues the next three Sundays.
Each year hundreds of thousands of New Mexicans go hungry.
In addition, New Mexico has landed in the number one spot when it comes to childhood hunger, according to the spring 2018 Map the Meal Gap report from Feeding America. The nonprofit organization is comprised of 200 food banks from across the county.
Approximately 125,000, or 1 in 4, of the state’s children are dealing with food insecurities. Overall, 328,000 (16 percent) New Mexicans are at risk of being hungry.
Roadrunner Food Bank in Albuquerque is part of the Feeding America group. Roadrunner does not have a public pantry but instead provides food for pantries and other organizations around the state. Roadrunner communications officer Sonya Warwick said hunger is a year-round issue and the organization can always use help from the community, especially around the holidays.
“We are really struggling for non-perishables right now,”
she said. “The amount we have is lower than it’s been in some time.”
Donating food is not the only way to help. The public can also help the food bank by volunteering or making cash donations.
Swarupa Watlington is the executive director of Storehouse New Mexico, the largest food pantry in the state, serving 50,000 people a year. She said providing food for families becomes especially urgent during the summer months and the holidays.
“Children are out of school and they go hungry,” she said. “It’s a critical time.”
Watlington said a cash donation of $1 will provide five meals. The pantry is in need of canned meats, such as tuna, chicken and Spam, as well as canned vegetables, fruit and soups. Storehouse also provides cat and dog food for its clients and will accept donations for that as well. Watlington said the pantry always has a great need for volunteers.
“We only have a staff of four,” she said. “Volunteers really keep the doors open.”
Manuel Casias, vice president of development for St. Felix Pantry in Rio Rancho, said when thinking of buying food for a pantry, donors should consider health and practicality. He said the pantry tries to limit the amount of sugary foods they are giving to families, especially those with children.
“Kids love mac and cheese,” he said. “One box can go a long way. We ask people to think about donating things that will stretch, even if you have a small quantity.”
In addition to macaroni and cheese, he said things like pasta, beans, potatoes and tuna are inexpensive but can feed an entire family.
“But our biggest need right now would be canned goods,” he said. “Nonperishable items are always desirable because they have a long shelf life.”
He said sometimes people donate gift cards from a local grocery store, which can helpful during these holiday months.
“This time of year, we get families traveling though here and they may need to eat,” he said. “We give them gift cards so they can buy a few groceries they can eat on the road or in their hotel.”