Deb Haaland and her team delivered 811 pounds of food and essential items to the Roadrunner Food Bank in Albuquerque. The donation is expected to provide about 676 meals for local families. During their visit, Haaland and her team assisted with packing boxes, stocking shelves, and helping families load groceries into their cars.
The donation comes at a time when many families are turning to food banks due to a lapse in SNAP benefits, which has been attributed to the ongoing government shutdown. As a former recipient of SNAP benefits herself, Haaland spoke about the challenges faced by those who struggle to afford basic necessities. "It was in November when I first applied for SNAP benefits and was rejected – I had no idea where I was going to get the next meal for me and my child," Haaland said. "Donald Trump’s failure to lead is letting New Mexicans go hungry. We need leaders who care and fight back."
Haaland emphasized that state leaders play an important role in protecting residents from federal policy changes that may affect their livelihoods. She stated her commitment as governor would be focused on lowering costs, making groceries more affordable, and ensuring access to well-paying jobs.
In addition to this recent food bank effort, Haaland has participated in other community service activities across New Mexico. She has packaged hygiene kits for people experiencing homelessness in Española, delivered supplies to first responders after floods in Ruidoso, and joined workers on picket lines advocating for fair wages at Creamland Dairy.
