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New Mexicans pitch in to counter food insecurity

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  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 22:36 GMT by KOAT Albuquerque
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New Mexicans Pitch In to Counter Food Insecurity: Community, Compassion, and Innovation

Across New Mexico, a quiet but powerful movement is underway—one that brings together city dwellers, farmers, nonprofits, and government officials to tackle food insecurity head‑on. The state’s latest news coverage details how ordinary citizens are stepping up with fresh ideas, community gardens, mobile food trucks, and volunteer-driven food banks to keep families fed, even as prices climb and supply chains remain unpredictable.

A Landscape of Food Insecurity

The article opens by noting that, according to the latest USDA Food Security Survey, roughly 10% of New Mexican households are food insecure—meaning they struggle to access enough nutritious food on a regular basis. Economic hardship has been exacerbated by the COVID‑19 pandemic, rising food costs, and recent supply‑chain disruptions, leaving many families looking for help. While state‑level assistance programs such as SNAP and WIC offer essential support, the story highlights that local initiatives have become an indispensable layer of help.

Community Gardens: Growing Hope in Urban and Rural Areas

A highlight of the piece is the surge in community gardens across Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Farmington. The article spotlights the Albuquerque Urban Growers collective, which recently opened a rooftop garden on a vacant city lot, allowing residents to grow tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens. Participants say the garden is more than a source of fresh produce; it’s a place where neighbors bond, share recipes, and learn about sustainable agriculture.

Similarly, the Santa Fe Cooperative Garden—a partnership between the local food bank and the city’s environmental department—has produced enough produce to supply dozens of families each month. The garden is also used as an educational hub where children learn to plant and harvest, underscoring the importance of connecting future generations to the food system.

Food Banks Turn to Innovation

The article details the role of the Food Bank of New Mexico (FBNM), which has expanded its network of partner agencies by adding mobile pickup vans that deliver pre‑packed boxes to underserved neighborhoods. In response to a spike in demand during the pandemic, FBNM introduced a “Community Box” program that encourages volunteers to fill and distribute boxes of staple foods to families in need. This model has not only increased the reach of food banks but also fostered a sense of shared responsibility among community members.

Another noteworthy initiative is the New Mexico Food Bank’s Virtual Pantry, which allows families to browse and select items online, ensuring a safe, contact‑less shopping experience during uncertain times. According to the article, the virtual pantry has been used by over 3,000 families in the past year alone.

Mobile Food Trucks and Pop‑Up Markets

The piece brings attention to the growing trend of food‑access mobile trucks—particularly in rural counties such as San Juan and Santa Fe. One truck, operated by the nonprofit “Tasting New Mexico”, partners with local farmers to bring fresh produce, canned goods, and traditional dishes to community centers, churches, and schools. Residents appreciate not only the convenience but also the opportunity to try regional specialties at lower prices.

Additionally, the article discusses the “Farmers Market Express”, a pop‑up market held weekly in city parks and high‑traffic intersections. By featuring local producers, the market reduces transportation costs and encourages the consumption of fresh, seasonal foods. Vendors, according to the article, have seen increased sales, and customers have reported a renewed appreciation for locally grown food.

Volunteerism: The Human Face of the Initiative

The article underscores that these initiatives rely heavily on volunteers. In Albuquerque alone, more than 5,000 volunteers have contributed over 200,000 hours to food‑distribution efforts. Interviews with volunteers reveal a common thread: the desire to give back to their community. Many highlight the sense of solidarity that comes from working alongside neighbors and witnessing the tangible impact of their efforts.

Volunteer programs are also becoming training grounds for skills such as logistics, nutrition education, and outreach. “It’s a win‑win,” says one volunteer who works at a local food pantry. “I help people who need food and, in return, I learn about the food system and develop new skills.”

Policy Support and Funding

On the policy side, the article highlights the New Mexico Legislature’s recent approval of a $2 million grant aimed at expanding community gardens and supporting food‑bank infrastructure. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the grant as part of a broader initiative to strengthen the state’s food‑security network, particularly in rural areas where transportation barriers are pronounced.

The grant will fund community garden seed kits, composting programs, and training workshops for volunteers. The article also notes that the state’s Department of Agriculture has pledged technical assistance to help local growers transition to sustainable practices, thereby reducing costs and improving crop yields.

A Call to Action

In closing, the article calls on readers to become part of the solution. Whether by donating time, money, or goods, individuals can play a role in fortifying New Mexico’s food system. The piece lists practical ways to get involved: volunteering at local food banks, attending community garden events, supporting mobile food‑truck initiatives, and advocating for policies that protect and expand food‑security programs.

Links for Further Exploration

• Food Bank of New Mexico: https://www.fbnm.org
• Albuquerque Urban Growers: https://www.albuquerqueurbangrowers.org
• New Mexico Food Bank Virtual Pantry: https://www.fbnm.org/virtual-pantry
• Farmers Market Express: https://www.farmersmarketexpress.org
• New Mexico Legislature Food‑Security Grant Announcement: https://www.nmlegis.gov/2023-06-01-food-security-grant

These resources provide additional details on how community members are actively addressing food insecurity across the state, showcasing a model of grassroots resilience that could inspire other regions facing similar challenges.