Jan. 14, 2014
Who needs to create jobs when you can create dependency?
Who needs to create jobs when you can create dependency?
The war on hunger in New Mexico is getting badly needed fresh ammunition.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced plans to purchase more than $126 million in fresh produce, and distribute it to food banks around the nation. New Mexico’s Roadrunner Food bank will be getting a substantial share, USDA officials say, because of the state’s economic reality.
“Those states that have a high poverty level also have a high hunger level,” said USDA regional administrator Bill Ludwig, touring the Roadrunner warehouse near I-25 and Jefferson. “New Mexico is one of the hungriest states in the nation because of the poverty rate.”
The math isn’t yet done and the deal has not yet been cut, but the fresh produce should be arriging early this spring.
“It’s very welcome,” said Roadrunner CEO Melody Wattenbarger. “The food is always needed. New Mexico is one of the hungriest states in the United States and there is always a gap between what we have and what we need.”
Demand has never been higher at Roadrunner, and the USDA reports that it’s that way all over the country, especially after cutbacks in monthly SNAP benefits – what used to be food stamps.
No comments:
Post a Comment