FOOD DEPOT News:
SANTA FE — The close of the New Mexico legislative session resulted in historic bipartisan support for New Mexico’s hunger-relief network. With the legislature’s approval and the signature by the Governor of House Bill 2, this $30 million investment in food and capacity building over the next three years will help New Mexicans experiencing hunger across the state.
Funds can be used by regional food banks to procure food to provide to hundreds of food distribution partners in New Mexico. In addition, the funding can assist partner locations to upgrade older facilities or obtain the necessary equipment to distribute food. Currently, there is limited or inadequate cold and dry good storage space for many hunger-relief partners — especially in rural, frontier and tribal communities. The ability to use part of the funds for capacity building would allow food distribution sites to increase the variety of foods coming from their regional food bank. It will also enhance their capacity to capture unsold or “rescued” food products from food industry partners, a low-cost way to get more food donations.
“Every pound of food provided to our food distribution partners reduces the growing meal gap in our state. Right now, there is a lot of uncertainty with cuts to USDA programs at the federal level and waning consumer confidence – which is one of the main drivers of charitable giving,” Katy Anderson said, Vice President of Strategy, Partnerships and Advocacy at Roadrunner Food Bank. “The funding will help offset a portion of the federal food cuts we have already experienced, but even with this historic and bipartisan commitment, there is still much more work and funding needed to build a hunger-free New Mexico.”
House Bill 2 also included start-up funding for a new initiative called Food is Medicine. The program will be housed within the state’s Health Care Authority. The concept of “Food is Medicine” links the critical role that food and nutrition have on health and healing. In New Mexico, the program will establish a framework for healthcare entities, food banks and other community organizations to provide medically tailored foods, groceries and meals. Patients managing chronic health conditions will receive access to nutritious food as a therapeutic health intervention and will receive referrals for wraparound services to improve their health outcomes. While the program is still in the planning phases, the initial focus of the Food is Medicine program will include pregnant women and homebound seniors facing chronic health issues.
Jill Dixon, executive director of The Food Depot said, “In these uncertain times, hunger-relief organizations are proud to talk about the important successes from this year’s legislative session. Progress is made possible by partnership, persistent advocacy, and the commitment of our elected officials. We sincerely thank Senate Finance Chair Sen. George Muñoz, House Appropriations & Finance Chair Rep. Nathan Small, the members of those committees, the New Mexico House and Senate, and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for their leadership and commitment to addressing hunger in our state. It takes everyone to address the challenges that food insecurity creates here in New Mexico.”
About Roadrunner Food Bank
New Mexico is ranked as one of the most food-insecure and most poverty-stricken states in the nation. Roadrunner® Food Bank, a Feeding America member, is the largest non-profit dedicated to providing access to food and meals in New Mexico. The food bank serves as a distribution hub and works through hundreds of affiliated partners around the state including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, group homes, and other nonprofit organizations to provide food to people experiencing hunger. Roadrunner also distributes food through its own specialized programs helping children, families and seniors at partner schools, low-income seniors housing sites, senior centers, healthcare locations and tribal communities. Last year, the food bank distributed more than 46 million pounds of food, reaching tens of thousands of people every week of the year.
To get involved, give time, give food, give funds. Visit www.rrfb.org, or follow the food bank on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or YouTube.
About The Food Depot
The Food Depot, Northern New Mexico’s food bank, works to make healthy food accessible to every person in every community. Serving nine counties across 26,000 square miles, The Food Depot distributes nutritious food and essential resources to more than 40,000 people. A combination of innovative food programs, resource navigation, and bold advocacy supports individuals and families on the path to lasting food security. In 2024, The Food Depot provided an average of 700,000 meals each month through a combination of its own direct programs and partnerships with more than 80 nonprofit agencies. Recognized for its impact and integrity, The Food Depot is a Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year, a Santa Fe Community Foundation Piñon Award recipient, and a four-star Charity Navigator nonprofit. Together, we can nourish communities and create a hunger-free future. Learn, donate, advocate, and volunteer at thefooddepot.org.
Organization Contacts
Sonya Warwick, Roadrunner Food Bank 505.349.8682
Amanda Bregel, The Food Depot, abregel@thefooddepot.org 505.510.5539