Silver Horizons Helps Low-Income Seniors Obtain Food

New Mexico is the second highest ranked state in the nation for senior hunger. And, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, one out of every seven Bernalillo Country seniors live below the poverty level. Silver Horizons’ Food Pantry, also known as our Food Distribution program, feeds almost 2,000 seniors each month and distributes more than 384,000 pounds of food providing nearly 320,000 meals.

In a previous post, we mentioned the Legislative Finance Committee's proposal to eliminate the State SNAP supplement, which helps ensure that 11,735 low-income older and disabled New Mexicans with net monthly income of no more than $908 receive at least $25 a month in SNAP/Food Stamps to put food on the table. This is just one effort to help ensure that seniors in our state have access to food.

While the SNAP supplement is extremely important and must be maintained, there are other opportunities in Albuquerque for low-income seniors to find food. The flyer on the left advertising "Free Groceries for Seniors" was posted at the glass door that leads into the lobby of Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center in Albuquerque. This was the first site for Silver Horizons' January food distribution on January 16. Other sites were Bear Canyon Senior Center (Jan. 18), Rio Communities Farmers Market Pantry (Jan. 19), Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center (Jan. 20), Los Volcanes Senior Center (Jan. 23), Barelas Senior Center (Jan. 25), Paradise Hills Senior Center (Jan. 27), and South Valley Multi-Purpose Senior Center (Jan. 30).

Silver Horizons, an independent 501c3 nonprofit organization, offers other opportunities for seniors to obtain food. "Our Food Distribution program helps keep nutritious foods available to low-income seniors who must make the choice between buying groceries, paying their utility bills, paying for necessary medications, or covering other life expenses," the organization says on its website.

"At Silver Horizons, we believe our aging and elderly citizens in New Mexico shouldn’t have to make that choice, which is why there are multiple ways to receive Food Pantry assistance." The organization also provides utility assistance for seniors, as well as help with housing repair and safety. 

Farmers Market Food Pantry
The pantry is open on the second Saturday of every month from 9-11 a.m.The pantry is located at 3540 Pan American Fwy. NE Suite B in Albuquerque, during which time seniors receive meat, dairy, hygiene products, and pet food, in addition to a large box of nonperishable food items. Almost 200 seniors receive enough food to make two-week’s worth of nutritious meals at the Farmer’s Market Food Pantry.

Homebound Food Distribution
Once a month Silver Horizons packages food boxes for seniors who have placed orders for Food Pantry assistance due to various conditions that keep them homebound. These deliveries are made by volunteers.

Home Deliveries
Silver Horizons in partnership with Meals on Wheels works to ensure seniors receive nutritious food on a monthly basis. These food boxes contain nonperishable food items and hygiene products. Food boxes are scheduled and delivered on an as needed basis.

Please call us at 505-884-3881 for information about the pantry and all the food distribution options available from Silver Horizons.  You can also communicate by e-mail at this address: ron@SilverHorizons.org  Volunteers for various projects are needed and welcomed.  Silver Horizons also welcomes Donations.