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| Kurt Rager |
Because of health concerns related to the outbreak of the
COVID-19
virus, the steering committee of the Interfaith Hunger Coalition
has postponed our next gathering, originally scheduled for Tuesday,
March 24. We are working with our featured presenter, Kurt Rager,
director of the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-New Mexico, to reschedule the
event later this year.
In addition to updates from Kurt about LAM-NM's legislative agenda for this year, we were also scheduled to review other legislative initiatives related to hunger. A representative from New Mexico Appleseed was scheduled to tell us about House Bill 10, which eliminated co-pays for school lunches and breakfasts for many low-income students.
This brief summary contains a couple of updates to the legislative summary sent on March 5, including an appropriations request for nonperishable food products for New Mexico food banks, and a correction to the item on child care assistance. (The original intent was to eliminate co-pays, but the allocation was insufficient to do so).
Responding to the Outbreak
We are tracking initiatives designed to ensure that the crisis response does not prevent anyone from continuing to have access to food. One major concern is that the closure of schools would leave students who rely on subsidized or free school lunches without access to food. (This week, authorities announced that all schools in the state would be closed for three weeks, starting on March 16)..
Local authorities are considering measures to ensure that children continue to have access to food. And local agencies are doing what they can to assist in this effort. "Roadrunner Food Bank will continue food distributions at school sites as long the schools have staff that can continue them during the closures," said one food bank administrator. "Things are moving fast and new variables are happening every hour it seems. But, right now, our plan is continue distributions of food where we have partners that are willing and able to continue."
At the federal level, Rep. Deb Haaland of New Mexico is one of three legislators who introduced the Ensuring Emergency Food Security Act. Advocates around the country are asked to contact their federal representatives to support this initiative. (See Graphic Below).
Partner Events Postponed or Cancelled
The following events organized by or on behalf of our endorsing congregations or organizations have been cancelled or postponed.
March 13-14 (Postponed, Date TBA): What needed gifts do faith communities bring to climate action? A retreat with Dr. Larry Rasmussen hosted by New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light, First Congregational Church. Friday: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday: 9:00-12 Noon. Sliding scale donation according to means $10-$50 (no one turned away).
March 14 (Cancelled): Bread for the World-New Mexico Offering of Letters, Saturday, March 14, All Saints Lutheran Church, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. Here is more information.
March 28 (Cancelled): Circo for Community and Justice. Support the New Mexico Conference of Churches, enjoy music by the Peace Pipes and celebrate the awarding of the annual Turquoise Award to an outstanding community leader. At St. John's United Methodist Church. Get Tickets: $35 for individuals, $300 for table of 10.
No Announcement Yet on the Following Events (Watch for Updates)
April 4: Pull for the Pantry. A rowing and fitness fundraiser to benefit The Storehouse. Orangetheory Albuquerque Fitness -Westside. 6361 Riverside Plaza Ln, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87120. You can also “Pull for the Pantry” by forming your own team. Invite friends and family to sponsor you, and join us at Orangetheory Fitness to row 5 meters for every dollar you raise. Donate or Form a Team
April 21-23: 10th Annual Farm to Cafeteria Conference, hosted by National Farm to School Network and Farm to Table in New Mexico. Albuquerque Convention Center. More information here Register now
June 24 Annual New Mexico KIDS Count Conference, hosted by New Mexico Voices for Children
In addition to updates from Kurt about LAM-NM's legislative agenda for this year, we were also scheduled to review other legislative initiatives related to hunger. A representative from New Mexico Appleseed was scheduled to tell us about House Bill 10, which eliminated co-pays for school lunches and breakfasts for many low-income students.
This brief summary contains a couple of updates to the legislative summary sent on March 5, including an appropriations request for nonperishable food products for New Mexico food banks, and a correction to the item on child care assistance. (The original intent was to eliminate co-pays, but the allocation was insufficient to do so).
Responding to the Outbreak
We are tracking initiatives designed to ensure that the crisis response does not prevent anyone from continuing to have access to food. One major concern is that the closure of schools would leave students who rely on subsidized or free school lunches without access to food. (This week, authorities announced that all schools in the state would be closed for three weeks, starting on March 16)..
Local authorities are considering measures to ensure that children continue to have access to food. And local agencies are doing what they can to assist in this effort. "Roadrunner Food Bank will continue food distributions at school sites as long the schools have staff that can continue them during the closures," said one food bank administrator. "Things are moving fast and new variables are happening every hour it seems. But, right now, our plan is continue distributions of food where we have partners that are willing and able to continue."
At the federal level, Rep. Deb Haaland of New Mexico is one of three legislators who introduced the Ensuring Emergency Food Security Act. Advocates around the country are asked to contact their federal representatives to support this initiative. (See Graphic Below).
Partner Events Postponed or Cancelled
The following events organized by or on behalf of our endorsing congregations or organizations have been cancelled or postponed.
March 13-14 (Postponed, Date TBA): What needed gifts do faith communities bring to climate action? A retreat with Dr. Larry Rasmussen hosted by New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light, First Congregational Church. Friday: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday: 9:00-12 Noon. Sliding scale donation according to means $10-$50 (no one turned away).
March 14 (Cancelled): Bread for the World-New Mexico Offering of Letters, Saturday, March 14, All Saints Lutheran Church, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. Here is more information.
March 28 (Cancelled): Circo for Community and Justice. Support the New Mexico Conference of Churches, enjoy music by the Peace Pipes and celebrate the awarding of the annual Turquoise Award to an outstanding community leader. At St. John's United Methodist Church. Get Tickets: $35 for individuals, $300 for table of 10.
No Announcement Yet on the Following Events (Watch for Updates)
April 4: Pull for the Pantry. A rowing and fitness fundraiser to benefit The Storehouse. Orangetheory Albuquerque Fitness -Westside. 6361 Riverside Plaza Ln, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87120. You can also “Pull for the Pantry” by forming your own team. Invite friends and family to sponsor you, and join us at Orangetheory Fitness to row 5 meters for every dollar you raise. Donate or Form a Team
April 21-23: 10th Annual Farm to Cafeteria Conference, hosted by National Farm to School Network and Farm to Table in New Mexico. Albuquerque Convention Center. More information here Register now
June 24 Annual New Mexico KIDS Count Conference, hosted by New Mexico Voices for Children
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