Walmart volunteers gather at Roadrunner Food Bank for an orientation prior to packing food. Courtesy/RRFB
Roadrunner Food Bank News:
ALBUQUERQUE — According to Feeding America, one in seven people in New Mexico face food insecurity. Even more shockingly, one in five children in our state are food insecure. Thankfully, there are still a few days left for shoppers to participate in the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign to support Roadrunner Food Bank.
Roadrunner Food Bank is a leading nonprofit in the fight against hunger in New Mexico. The organization distributes food across the state of New Mexico, and it does so through donations, by purchasing food, and with the support of community partners.
One of the major community partners at the food bank is Walmart.
Thursday, associates and leadership from local Walmarts volunteered at Roadrunner Food Bank as part of the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign aimed at addressing food insecurity.
“Roadrunner and Walmart have had a really robust partnership for many years,” said Will Tapia, Roadrunner Food Bank Corporate Engagement Officer. “We do a lot of awesome things with Walmart—through our food rescue program with basically all of their stores in New Mexico, and through this wonderful program, Fight Hunger. Spark Change. The impact has been tremendous—last year through this program we raised a whopping $110,000 dollars, which is the equivalent of over 550,000 meals across the state of New Mexico. This program really makes an incredible impact on the work we do here at the food bank.”
For the 12th straight year, all U.S. Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs locations have launched the Fight Hunger. Spark Chang.e campaign with Feeding America food banks across the country. This year, the campaign runs through March 31.
“Feeding hungry people is the goal, whether it’s seniors, kids in schools, or struggling families,” said Charisse Huffman, local Walmart Digital Market Manager. “That’s the most important thing—that we are helping. And shoppers still have a few days left to help participate in Fight Hunger. Spark Change. by buying select products in store or donating at the register.”
Those interested in helping can also donate to Walmart’s campaign at www.FeedingAmerica.org/Walmart or www.FeedingAmerica.org/SamsClub.
“As a company we love supporting our community, and obviously Roadrunner does an amazing job combatting hunger,” Huffman said.
Walmart supports Roadrunner year-round through its food rescue program—providing unsold groceries before their expiration dates to help stock the food bank’s shelves. Roadrunner reports that the quick turnaround makes a big difference in getting fresh food to those who need it.
As Walmart volunteers gathered yesterday, Roadrunner also highlighted the impact of volunteerism on their nonprofit.
“Volunteers are the hands and feet of the organization and the work we do here at Roadrunner,” Tapia said. “We can’t get this food out to families, seniors, and children without the work of volunteers. They really help make sure we have enough food to get out across the state to folks who really need it. There are a lot of ways for people to get involved.”
Anyone wanting to learn more about Roadrunner and how to become more involved is encouraged to visit https://www.rrfb.org.