New Mexico Food Banks Face Critical Funding Cuts: A Call to Action
The Disheartening Impact of Federal Spending Cuts
New Mexico’s food banks are grappling with a looming crisis as federal funding disappears, putting vulnerable families at risk. Over recent years, local farmers have nurtured crops with the support of federal programs designed to bolster food banks, but that lifeline has abruptly vanished following the termination of the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program in early March. This decision has sent ripples of concern through the community, highlighting the dire consequences of federal budget cuts.
A Lifeline Withdrawn: The Local Food Purchase Assistance Program
For the past three years, New Mexico’s food banks have relied heavily on the LFPA, spending a significant $4 million in federal funding to procure locally-produced food from small-scale farmers. Amanda Bregel from The Food Depot, the fiscal agent for the LFPA, expressed her deep concern over this loss, stating that, “We were really excited and supportive of the program because it helped producers in our state. It supported the food system in New Mexico and provided culturally appropriate foods.”
Compounding Challenges: Cuts to Other Food Support Programs
But the challenges don’t stop with the LFPA. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), another crucial resource managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is facing cuts as well. Roadrunner Food Bank in Albuquerque, which distributes approximately 46 million pounds of food annually, draws about 30% of its supplies from TEFAP. As food bank directors anticipate diminishing resources, the repercussions for families who rely on these services are profound.
Rising Demand Amidst Potential SNAP Cuts
As if the current situation isn’t bleak enough, food banks are also bracing for potential cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These cuts could lead to an increased demand for food services, with more families struggling to keep food on the table.
How You Can Help: The Power of Community Engagement
Both The Food Depot and Roadrunner Food Bank urgently seek community support. Donations—monetary or food—make a tremendous difference. Community groups, including churches and organizations, are encouraged to organize food drives to bolster local efforts. Remarkably, a single $1 donation provides four meals for those in need, showcasing the incredible impact of community generosity.
Items in Demand
Food banks are particularly in need of protein sources such as canned meats and beans, soups, rice, pasta, shelf-stable milk, and single-serve meals. Every contribution counts and can significantly help those experiencing food insecurity.
- To donate to The Food Depot, visit this link.
- Want to volunteer? Find more information here.
- To support Roadrunner Food Bank, check out donations here or monetary contributions here. Interested in lending a hand? Volunteer opportunities can be found here.
For those in need, the food finder map on the Roadrunner website can connect individuals to essential services across the state. Find it here.
Advocacy for Change: Voices from New Mexico
U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján has rallied support from fellow lawmakers, urging Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to reconsider the sweeping cuts that threaten food security. In a letter, he expressed concern over the “cancellation of hundreds of millions of dollars in previously approved funding for food banks,” emphasizing the vital role TEFAP plays in fighting hunger across New Mexico.
Luján stated, “This cancellation could lead to $500 million in lost food provisions… at a time when the need for food shelves is extremely high.” Together, our voices can advocate for the restoration of this crucial support.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
New Mexico’s food banks stand at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges that demand immediate attention and action. As communities unite under the banner of compassion and support, we have the power to turn the tide in favor of those facing hunger. Join the movement, lend a hand, and help ensure that no family in our state goes hungry. Together, we can cultivate hope and nourishment for all.
