Get Ready for ‘Souper Bowl’ Weekend: Join Roadrunner Food Banks in the Fight Against Hunger!

In New Mexico, nearly 500 organizations come together to ensure that no one goes hungry. It’s a community effort that plays a vital role in supporting our residents.

The Storehouse, one of the largest food pantries in the state, has been a cornerstone of this initiative. Jill Beets, their Marketing Representative, shared that they assist about 56,000 people each year. However, this number rose to over 79,000 last year due to a 24% increase in food prices since 2020.

Another key player is the Roadrunner Food Bank, which is preparing for its biggest event: the Souper Bowl. This fun gathering lets attendees sample a variety of soups and desserts while also participating in a silent auction. Sonya Warwick, the communications director for Roadrunner, mentioned that this event usually raises nearly $100,000 to support their mission. “Hunger is a serious issue in our state,” she noted, highlighting the ongoing challenges.

Events like the Souper Bowl not only raise funds but also help gather food for pantries like The Storehouse in Albuquerque. These occasions connect the community with food assistance efforts and raise awareness about the importance of supporting local food banks.

Recently, President Donald Trump signed executive orders affecting federal aid programs, but food assistance programs remained intact for now. However, the future remains uncertain. Beets expressed concerns about possible cuts to federal grants, which are crucial for their food purchasing programs, as well as potential reductions in SNAP benefits.

So far, The Storehouse has not had to turn anyone away, and they remain hopeful that community events and volunteers can bridge any gaps in support. If you or someone you know needs food assistance, The Storehouse offers distributions on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Additionally, the Roadrunner Food Bank is available for resources across various parts of the state.