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As shutdown deadline nears, Senate Democrats say they won't vote for GOP-led bill; After USDA funding freeze, Colorado farmers brace for tariffs; NM protests against Musk's Tesla dealerships expand to Sandoval County; Local economic partnership helps MT town embrace new work sectors.

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Senate Democrats refuse to support GOP budget bill. The EU and Canada respond to steel and aluminum tariffs and some groups work to counter Christian Nationalism, which they call a threat to democracy.

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Many fear the Trump administration's effort to raise money fast could include sale of public lands, thousands of farmers wait for payouts frozen by the USDA, and a shortage has rural America's doctors coming out of retirement.

Orange glow in Albuquerque night sky lights up Hunger Action Month

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Monday, September 16, 2024   

New Mexico's Roadrunner Food Bank sent a "glowing" invitation to encourage food and financial contributions during September's Hunger Action Month.

Sonya Warwick, director of communications and events for the Roadrunner Food Bank, said at a recent event, its Albuquerque warehouse was illuminated in orange floodlights to remind people of the urgent need for donations.

She noted the pandemic created a much higher need but local contributions combined with state and federal assistance programs got them through the crisis. Now, higher food costs and reduced benefits have left even more people in need, especially in a high-poverty state like New Mexico.

"Hunger follows poverty, and that trend has continued to worsen even in the last few years," Warwick explained. "With higher prices in food and higher prices that people are facing overall; the supplies that they need to live their life."

Warwick pointed out many nonprofits are coming off two years when inflation wiped out gains in giving and it has been harder to keep warehouse shelves stocked and distribute the food statewide. One in seven people, including one in five children, are at risk of hunger in New Mexico, with five counties experiencing childhood hunger rates of more than 30%.

Warwick noted people who experience hunger often have nutrition issues, which can lead to chronic health conditions. She cited research showing greater health care costs associated with limited food resources of around $1,400 annually for New Mexico adults categorized as food insecure.

"We all need sort-of that well-balanced meal to live and thrive well," Warwick stressed. "When you don't have access to enough fruits and vegetables or enough high-quality proteins, that definitely impacts your ability to have good health."

Roadrunner is one of Feeding America's network of 200 food banks. For the September fundraising effort, the Abram and Ray Kaplan Foundation is matching every contribution up to $25,000, which if met triggers a second $25,000 match from the foundation for a total of $50,000.

Disclosure: Roadrunner Food Bank contributes to our fund for reporting on Children's Issues, Community Issues and Volunteering, Hunger/Food/Nutrition, and Poverty Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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