Laboratory employees donate 337,518 meals across nine northern New Mexico counties

This year’s Spring Food Drive offered Los Alamos National Laboratory employees three challenges: give money, donate food or volunteer time to help battle food insecurity in the region. Employees excelled at all three, donating $83,015 (up 17% from last year) in addition to 6,622 pounds of food to The Food Depot, and helping at six Lab-organized volunteer events.

Together, the donations translate to 337,518 meals for people facing food insecurity in the Northern New Mexico counties of Colfax, Harding, Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Taos and Union — an increase of more than 48,000 meals from last year.

"This shows what happens when we all come together to have an impact and be a force for good in the region," said Kayla Norris, of the Laboratory’s Community Partnerships Office, who organized the drive.

The Community Partnerships Office fosters nonprofit giving, economic development and education support, primarily in the seven counties surrounding the Laboratory, because these are also where the Lab’s 18,000 employees live.

Volunteering in person

A total of 80 volunteers (including employees, friends and family) rolled up their sleeves and got to work at volunteer sessions hosted by nonprofits tackling food insecurity.

Some helped at the San Martin de Porres Soup Kitchen in Española; another group volunteered at Kitchen Angels in Santa Fe, making meals for homebound individuals or facing serious illness. Others sorted goods at The Food Depot for distribution or worked shifts at The Food Depot's Casita de Comida in Española — a no-cost market that provides choice and dignity in a traditional store setting.

Battling the hunger crisis

Since 1994, The Food Depot has worked to ensure food security for all New Mexicans through innovative programs, resource navigation services and advocacy — collaborating with more than 80 community partners to provide assistance to over 40,000 individuals across nine counties and 26,000 square miles.