Local food bank hosts pop-up pantries

Casa de Peregrinos hosted a holiday Pop-Up Pantry in Sunland Park Dec. 5, the first of multiple events the food bank will host this winter with the support of Project Jupiter, which has paid for the food boxes being distributed to local families.

With the help of this donation, Casa de Peregrinos is able to add significant relief to families affected by SNAP.

“The effect that this donation is going to have on Sunland Park is very impactful,” said Casa de Peregrinos executive director Lorenzo Alba. “We are thankful for the additional community support provided by Project Jupiter and cannot understate the sustenance this partnership will provide to the community.”

The food bank received $50,000 in funding from Project Jupiter, which will go towards addressing critical need in Doña Ana County through Pop-Up Pantry events.

Casa de Peregrinos is Doña Ana County’s largest local food pantry organization, and many local families depend on the organization to put food on the table.

Recently, the food bank has seen an increase in families needing support due to SNAP pauses and uncertainty with government assistance.

This first Pop-Up Pantry took place at the Sunland Park Sports Complex, where approximately 500 food boxes were handed out. Each box can feed a family of four for approximately one week.

“We are happy to be here today in celebration of taking care of our neighbors,” said Doña Ana County commissioner Gloria Gameros.

For more information about the upcoming Sunland Park Pop-Up Pantries, visit the Casa de Peregrinos Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/share/1KZ6X1PZn8/?mibextid=wwXIfr.

Casa de Peregrinos also looks forward to the building of their new pantry location being built in Sunland, coming to the town next fall.