You may not be aware that New Mexico consistently ranks among the worst states in the nation for hunger, affecting both children and adults. Did you know that one out of every five children in New Mexico goes to bed hungry? 

 

Dedicated organizations and an army of compassionate volunteers make sure that no one in our community must face an empty cupboard alone. Obviously, Albuquerque food banks provide groceries. However, they provide much more by offering dignity, community, and hope to thousands of families facing food insecurity.

 

Roadrunner Food Bank is meeting this growing need and has been fighting hunger since 1980, establishing itself as the largest hunger relief organization in New Mexico. Their work is remarkable—they distribute more than 100,000 pounds of food through a network of over 350 partner agencies, including food pantries, schools, senior centers, and health clinics across the entire state. Their reach extends far beyond Albuquerque, touching lives in communities from Chaparral to Jemez Pueblo.

 

The Storehouse has been serving Albuquerque since the late 1970s and operates one of New Mexico's largest food pantries right here in our city. What started with a local pastor and his wife distributing food from the trunk of their car has grown into an organization that fed over 79,000 people in 2024 alone—a significant jump from their usual 55,000 annual visitors. That increase tells you everything you need to know about the growing need in our community.

 

Both organizations understand that hunger doesn't discriminate and offer more than just food. The Storehouse focuses explicitly on the "working poor"—families who earn too much to qualify for SNAP benefits but are one car repair or medical bill away from wondering where their next meal will come from.

 

When someone visits The Storehouse, they receive a fully stocked shopping cart, including pre-packed non-perishable, essential dietary items like meat, dairy products, and fresh fruits and vegetables. They even run a pet food pantry on the third Friday of each month, recognizing that families struggle to feed their four-legged members, too.

 

Roadrunner Food Bank has developed innovative programs addressing specific needs in our community. Their SNAP Outreach Program helps connect eligible families with benefits they may not be aware of, for which they may qualify. Their Healthy Foods Center functions as an on-site medical referral food pantry, connecting nutrition with healthcare. They run mobile food distributions throughout the metro area and beyond, bringing food directly to neighborhoods where access is limited.

 

We also want to share information on how you can help. Here's the beautiful thing about both organizations: they truly run on people power. The Storehouse has a small staff and relies heavily on volunteers for everything from packing boxes and assisting families with shopping to sorting donations and organizing the warehouse. You can volunteer Tuesday through Saturday by calling 505-842-6491 or emailing [email protected].

 

Roadrunner Food Bank offers even more ways to get involved. Their Albuquerque warehouse welcomes volunteers Monday through Saturday for shifts that may include sorting produce, repacking donated items, or preparing emergency food boxes. If warehouse work isn't your thing, you can volunteer at community food distributions held at churches, community centers, and other locations throughout the metro area. They also offer opportunities to contribute to their HELP Center, providing phone assistance to those in need of support. Families are welcome too—children as young as six can volunteer with proper adult supervision. Register online through their volunteer portal or contact them directly.

 

Both organizations also welcome group volunteers, making it easy for your workplace, faith community, or friend group to make a collective impact. And if you can't volunteer your time, both organizations gratefully accept food and financial donations throughout the year.

 

You can be a part of the solution. Hunger might be a persistent problem in New Mexico, but so is the compassion of our community, and you can become part of the solution. The need is real, the work is meaningful, and your community needs you. Together, we can ensure that no family in Albuquerque goes to bed hungry. Every act of kindness, every volunteer hour, and every donation helps ensure that families across Albuquerque have access to nutritious food.

 

Can you spare a Saturday morning once a month or maybe make volunteering a regular part of your routine? We're sure that both these organizations will happily welcome you.

 

Whether you're looking to get involved in your community or trying to find the perfect neighborhood to put down roots, the Sandi Pressley Team is here to help. We're passionate about connecting people with homes and communities they'll love.

 

Contact the Sandi Pressley Team:

Phone: (505) 263 - 2173

Website: https://www.albuquerquehomesolutions.com/

Let's work together to build a stronger, more caring Albuquerque—one home, one meal, one neighbor at a time.

 

HOT PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

8543 MURRELET DRIVE NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87113 

 

Situated on a desirable corner lot, this charming Fuller Built family home offers an inviting great room with soaring cathedral ceilings and a cozy gas log fireplace. Enjoy meals in the formal dining room or casual dining at the kitchen's breakfast bar. The fully equipped kitchen includes a refrigerator, while the home also provides the convenience of a washer and dryer. The location is unbeatable--right across the street from a large city park, and within proximity to shopping, dining, and recreational facilities. The nearby dog park, soccer fields, and North Domingo Park and Multi-Generational Center are just steps away, offering endless activities for everyone. The low-maintenance backyard is perfect for entertaining, providing a great space to host gatherings or relax.

GET YOUR MORNING INSPIRATION WITH THE Sandi Pressley TEAM!