New Mexico Church Teams Up with Local School and Community to Combat Food Insecurity

Chelwood Christian Reformed Church in Albuquerque, N.M., has teamed up with Onate Elementary School and the Onate Neighborhood Association to launch the Coyote Kitchen Project. This initiative aims to combat food insecurity among children in their community.

According to Onate Elementary’s principal, Allie Weeda, about 43% of the school’s 300 students faced food insecurity in 2024. This was alarming, prompting action. In October 2023, a small food drive was organized, with details shared in a neighborhood newsletter. Sherry TenClay, an elder at Chelwood CRC, saw the call for help and reached out to the school to explore how they could work together.

As part of the project, they established three food drop-off points: one at the church, another at the school, and one at TenClay’s home. These locations are marked with large black bins topped with yellow lids and flyers that list non-perishable food items needed for donation.

The Chelwood congregation has stepped up, showing remarkable generosity to support the project. TenClay emphasizes the church’s philosophy: “We do things with people, not to or for them.” This approach fosters a sense of community, and both Weeda and TenClay are excited about the project’s potential to create lasting connections among families.

The Coyote Kitchen, named after the school’s mascot, is currently collecting food and plans to distribute it before summer break. Instead of pre-packed boxes, their aim is to create a shopping experience for parents, allowing them to choose what they need. “We want to ensure dignity and autonomy in the process,” Weeda explains.

To ensure the program’s sustainability, Weeda mentions they are starting small, focusing on the 15%–20% of families that need it the most and building capacity from there. This careful approach aims to avoid overwhelming the resources and volunteers involved.

Interestingly, while some churches may hesitate to partner with secular organizations, TenClay believes that collaborative efforts are achievable when core values align. “Finding common ground in vision and mission can lead to meaningful partnerships,” she notes.

Community involvement is a critical aspect of this project. Local high school students will take on logistical roles, and younger children are invited to help sort donations and make signs. This engagement not only supports the project but also teaches valuable lessons about community service.

Food insecurity affects many families across the U.S. Recent statistics show that approximately 10% of American households struggle with hunger, making initiatives like Coyote Kitchen essential. By addressing local needs, Chelwood Church and Onate Elementary are not just providing food—they’re fostering community, support, and hope.

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