CHAPARRAL – A new food pantry is coming to Chaparral to help fight hunger. Groundbreaking for the pantry took place on October 11 at 190 County Line Drive, near the Betty McKnight Community Center. This pantry will be a permanent resource for families from both Doña Ana County and Otero County, located close to the Texas border.
This project was initiated by former state Representative Willie Madrid, who proposed the idea in early 2024. State Representative Micaela Lara Cadena supported the initiative, and together, they secured $1.3 million in funding through the state legislature.
Madrid was motivated to create this pantry after witnessing food insecurity issues amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that for more than a decade, volunteers from St. Thomas More Church in Chaparral have been providing food to those in need, but he felt it was time for a more reliable solution.
Understanding Hunger
According to Feeding America, 16.4% of people in Doña Ana County were food insecure in 2022, and similar rates were observed in Otero County. This means that many families struggle to know when or where they will get their next meal. Some advocates believe that the real rates may be even higher in rural areas like Chaparral and Sunland Park.
Madrid expressed concern that many elderly residents may not receive adequate benefits or may not qualify for assistance at all. The Food Research and Action Center has reported that children facing hunger are more likely to encounter health problems and perform poorly in school.
To address these challenges, Madrid collaborated with Casa de Peregrinos, a well-known food pantry in Las Cruces, to bring the idea to life. Executive Director Lorenzo Alba Jr. recognized the need for the pantry and worked with local representatives to secure the necessary funding.
The estimated cost for the pantry’s construction and design is about $1.92 million. Doña Ana County is overseeing the project, with plans for a 1,633-square-foot warehouse, a walk-in freezer and cooler, and ample storage space. An 800-square-foot office area will feature an intake room and lobby. They hope to have the distribution center open by the end of January 2026, with the entire facility operational by February 2026.
As construction progresses, Alba emphasizes the need to begin sourcing food for the pantry, stating, “We know what the need is there, and we want to supply that.” The Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico is partnering to help provide food supplies for Chaparral residents. Alba believes this pantry is an essential step in supporting families in need in a growing community.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Chaparral’s population was around 16,500, but local leaders think it may be larger today. As El Paso expands northward, more people are moving into Chaparral, increasing the demand for food resources.
The Importance of Support
U.S. Congressman Gabe Vasquez, representing parts of Southern New Mexico, has been an advocate for food security initiatives, including securing funds for other local food pantries. He attended the groundbreaking for the Chaparral pantry and stressed the importance of collaboration to strengthen the community. Vasquez emphasized that seeking help is a brave step and that these resources are crucial for families facing food scarcity.
With many seniors struggling with food insecurity, Vasquez pointed out that the health impacts of hunger are severe. He cited research that shows food-insecure seniors face significant health risks, underscoring the pantry’s importance in improving their quality of life.
In conclusion, the new food pantry in Chaparral represents a much-needed resource for families facing hunger. Community leaders are committed to building an infrastructure that supports needs and fosters resilience, making a positive impact in this growing region.
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Source linkFood pantry, Chaparral, fight hunger
