School Meals for APS Students
The pandemic has created special challenges for school districts
around the country to provide school breakfasts and lunches to our
children. In New Mexico, the Albuquerque Public Schools System shut
down schools in the spring while continuing providing meals. Meals were
provided at designated sites during the summer break.
At the end of the summer, it became apparent that the schools would not
be able to reopen for the fall semester. So the schools once again
resorted to a mostly remote model.
Online Presentation on November 9
So what steps did APS take to ensure that students continued to have access to food during the fall semester?
On Monday, November 9, 6:30 p.m., the Interfaith Hunger Coalition will
host an online presentation to answer this question. Our featured
presenter is APS Food and Nutrition Services director Sandra Kemp, who
will discuss the district’s program for student meals. She will share
statistics on meals served, food service staffing at schools and more.
Additionally, Melanie Lewis, Community School Coordinator for three
elementary schools along Central Avenue (Lew Wallace, Eugene Field and
Longfellow) and a member if the IHC education committee, will share
stories about families and a monthly mobile food pantry that serves the
three schools.
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions.
To join the Zoom presentation, please send a note to nminterfaithhungercoalition@gmail.com or indicate "going" on our Facebook event
We will send you a Zoom link a few days before the event.
Sisters Project Distributes Food, Other Items Every Other Week
Tentatively, subsequent distributions will be held on November 14 and 28. Each distribution is preceded by a food drive the prior Friday. Check on the ICNM Sisters Food Project Facebook page for more details on needed donations, confirmation of dates and other updates.
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted and multiplied a preexisting condition in Albuquerque: Food Insecurity. As Muslims it is our obligation to make sure our families and neighbors do not go hungry.
The sisters have established a food and hygiene product distribution program, not only for the Muslim community, but for the Albuquerque community at large. Since April 2020, distribution has been Biweekly, and serves an average of 70-100 families.
This program is completely supported by volunteers, sponsors and community members.
Resources
- In case you missed it, here is our World Food Day Video
- Nearly one in three UNM students faces food insecurity. See report, entitled Basic Needs Insecurity at UNM: 2020 Research Report.
- Bread for the World's Vote to End Hunger guide
- The Impact of the Coronavirus on Local Food Insecurity (Feeding America Report)
- Roadrunner Food Bank's Coronavirus Report on New Mexico (based on Feeding America report)
- Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT Profile for New Mexico, 2020 Data Book
Mark Your Calendars
Reflections Around the Election, Nov. 3 & 4
Two opportunities for spiritual reflection in the midst and the aftermath of the national and state elections.
-Circles of Silence: Standing for Peace
Persons of faith and persons of good conscience will gather with the intention to hold space for peace and strength amidst post-election reactivity, in groups of five (5), wearing face-coverings, standing 8 feet apart
Parking Lot of St Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Community, 425 University Blvd, NE
Nov. 3, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Bring a Candle)
Nov. 4 8:30-9:30 AM, 1:00-2:00 PM 5:00-6:00 PM (Bring a Candle)
Sign Up (Nov. 4 only) For questions, contact Pastor Jeanine at rector@canterburyabq.org
-Community Prayer Walk, Nov. 4, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Hosted by St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 5301 Ponderosa NE
Food Security and Hunger Initiatives in New Mexico
A webinar sponsored by the New Mexico Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Presenters include Stephanie Rogus (New Mexico State University) and local nutrition expert Patty Keane Free but advance registration is requested Register in advance You will receive a confirmation e-mail.
Saturday, November 14, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Feed & Clothe Our Neighbors Drive
Members of St. Paul Lutheran Church's Outreach will be at the church, 1100 Indian School Rd. NE, to accept your drive-through donations of canned and non-perishable food for The Storehouse and your donations of gently used or new warm clothing for ABQ FaithWorks. See Facebook Event
Tuesday, November 17, 2020 6:30 p..m.
Bread for the World Southwest Region Virtual Town Hall
Rev. Eugene Cho, recently installed as president of Bread for the World, will present a 15-minute message, followed by questions by six faith leaders in the region, which includes New Mexico, Texas, Arizona and Oklahoma. The event will be then opened to questions from participants.The IHC is a co-sponsor of this event. Participants are encouraged to submit their questions in advance in the space provided at Eventbrite checkout. Learn more about the event and about Rev. Cho. Contact regional organizer Lupe Conchas, lconchas@bread.org for more information.
Thursday, December 3, 2020 10:00-11:30 A.M.
New Mexico Voices for Children KIDS COUNT Conference
This is the third of a series of three sessions. The series aims to lift up strategically and intentionally anti-racist policy reforms to improve child well-being and to address the impacts of COVID-19 and the current recession on children and families in New Mexico. This pre-legislative session will focus on the policy issues relevant to defending and promoting equitable access to a cradle-to-career education for New Mexicans, especially during the 2021 session and in light of the recession Tickets are $25 per session
Join the Interfaith Hunger Coalition!
We invite congregations and organizations to endorse the Interfaith Hunger Coalition. The endorsement does not imply any financial contributions, just a commitment to partner with us to address hunger in New Mexico. Here is a list of our current endorsers (25 congregations and 31 organizations).. Download the endorsement form and attach in an e-mail to nminterfaithhungercoalition@gmail.com
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