For families experiencing food insecurity, the holiday season can be especially difficult. Family budgets are often tighter around the holidays, which can lead to an increased need for food assistance, explained Justin Gomez, development manager of the Storehouse New Mexico, a nonprofit food pantry in Albuquerque.
“We see a lot more people accessing the Storehouse this time of year,” Gomez said.
To help address this problem, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) teamed up with 100.3 The Peak and other sponsors to hold a special Thanksgiving food drive for the Storehouse. On a chilly November day outside the Albertsons Market on Coors Road in Albuquerque, the organizations gathered for 12 hours to accept drive-thru donations of non-perishable food and cash to help feed people in need during the holidays.
100.3 The Peak’s Jackie, Tony & Ryan In The Morning broadcasted live throughout the drive.
“We’re never surprised by the generosity of the Albuquerque metro area and the community,” Tony of 100.3 the Peak said. “It’s always great to see people come together and help others out.”
During the event, BCBSNM’s Care Van® program also partnered with Albertsons to provide flu shot and COVID-19 boosters for the community.
“Any opportunity we have, we want to serve the public with no-cost services,” said Amy Fisher, BCBSNM unit manager of community relations.
Together with community monetary contributions, BCBSNM, American Home Furniture and Mattress, Guinness and Sandia Area Federal Credit Union donated more than $50,000 for the Storehouse. The Albuquerque community dropped off 4,212 pounds of food for the drive.
Receiving this food, including holiday staples, helps ensure families can still celebrate meaningful traditions, Gomez shared.
“These types of food drives before the holidays are important because a lot of the food donations that we get are after the holidays,” said Gomez. “Being able to get these important holiday items in advance and to people who are in need of some food security makes such a big difference.”