ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Albuquerque launched a backyard harvest share program that asks residents to donate homegrown food to help families and students facing hunger.
Mayor Tim Keller said the city launched the food-sharing program with help from Central New Mexico Community College to address food insecurity.
“So part of this work is also about bringing community together,” Keller said. “And a lot of folks do have small gardens in their backyard.”
The city asks people to donate fresh fruits, veggies, herbs, dried chili, dried beans, legumes, eggs and fresh flower bouquets, along with other homegrown produce from home gardens.
According to Feeding America, one in six New Mexicans face food insecurity. The group said one in four children in the state face hunger every day. Feeding America estimates 382,000 New Mexicans face food insecurity, including more than 107,000 children.
At Central New Mexico Community College, food challenges can reach the classroom. Bejamin Tobias manages student basic needs at CNM, which already relies on donations to help students.
“I think, you know, we have this perception that rite of passage in college is eating ramen for every meal and that’s all you have to do and that’s what it is. But the reality is that that’s not how it should be. Nutritious meals are really important for students,” Tobias said.
He said the partnership with the city to create the Albuquerque Backyard Harvest Share can make a difference.
“When resources are available, institutions respond, partnerships grow, students remain enrolled, and communities benefit. This program is a tangible way for our community to help our community,” Tobias said.
How to take part
Contact: Rachel Petroff | 505.761.4050 | rpetroff@cabq.gov
Or, contact the Health and Social Services Center closest to you:
- Alamosa: 6900 Gonzales Road SW, Suite D, Albuquerque, NM 87121 | 505-836-8800
- Ruth M. Adams: 7525 Zuni Rd SE, Albuquerque, NM, 87108 | 505-767-5700
- John Marshall: 1500 Walter Street, SE, Albuquerque, NM, 87102 | 505-848-1345
- Dede Feldman Los Griegos: 1231 Candelaria Road NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107 | 505-761-4050
For further information on drop-off locations and donation guidelines, click here.
