Food pantry is asking donors to match the grant dollar for dollar as demand rises across Doña Ana County

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - Casa de Peregrinos has received a $50,000 challenge grant from the Thornburg Foundation, the largest challenge grant in the food pantry’s history, as it responds to rising demand for emergency food assistance in Doña Ana County.

The Santa Fe–based foundation is asking the community to match the grant dollar for dollar, effectively doubling its impact for families facing food insecurity.

“We are thrilled to have been chosen by the Thornburg Foundation for this generous gift,” said Lorenzo Alba Jr., executive director of Casa de Peregrinos. “It could not have come at a better time. We have seen an overwhelming demand for help during the last few weeks, and we know this is only the beginning.”

Casa de Peregrinos provides free supplemental groceries to individuals and families across Las Cruces and Doña Ana County through pantries located in senior centers, rural communities, college campuses and at the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope.

Thornburg Foundation President Allan Oliver said the grant comes amid broader cuts to food assistance at the federal level.

“Earlier this month, the current federal budget cut assistance to 50,000 New Mexicans, including veterans and youth who have aged out of foster care,” Oliver said. “There is an urgent need for each of us to help our neighbors.”

Oliver said the challenge grant is part of a broader effort by the foundation to draw attention to growing food insecurity across the state and encourage increased support for food pantries.

Founded in 1999, the Thornburg Foundation focuses its grantmaking on areas including education, water, land and agriculture, housing and homelessness and public funding systems.

Community members can contribute to the matching campaign by mailing checks to Casa de Peregrinos, 999 W. Amador Ave., Building 1, Las Cruces, NM 88005, with “Thornburg” noted in the memo line. Donations can also be made online at https://www.casadeperegrinos.org.