Sophie Klaus

Last November, The Commons launched our End of Year Matching Gift Challenge. A fundraiser aimed to double community impact through a $30,000 matching donation generously provided by longtime supporters Suzi and Janey. The campaign invited community members to contribute before the end of the year to help address rising food insecurity in Grant County.

As grocery prices continue to rise, federal disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) persist, and more households require assistance, local food pantries are experiencing increased strain. Across the region, community-based food systems are being asked to do more with fewer resources as families turn to local support to fill widening gaps in access to nutritious food.

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue across New Mexico. Over 1 in 6 people (16.6%) in the state struggle to access enough nutritious food, and for children, the rate is even higher, with nearly 1 in 4 (23.3%) at risk of hunger (Roadrunner Food Bank, Map the Meal Gap). Our state also has the highest rate of SNAP participation in the country. According to Roadrunner Food Bank, as of August 2025, 3,929 households in Grant County alone rely on SNAP benefits, receiving an estimated average of $325 per month to help put food on the table.

Thanks to you, our incredible community, we raised over $42,000 in less than seven weeks. Not only did we meet our $30,000 match goal, but we exceeded it, resulting in more than $72,000 raised in total to support food security efforts across our county. Whether you donated online, by mail, in person, continued a monthly contribution, or helped spread the word, every action played a role in this incredible success.

This achievement comes amid a year marked with significant challenges, including the Trout Fire and the temporary halt of SNAP benefits during the federal government shutdown. Despite these disruptions, our community showed up for one another. That resilience is made possible through mutual support, collective strength, and a genuine commitment to care, values that Grant County continues to embody.

Funds raised through this campaign go directly toward The Commons’ operations and programs that strengthen food security and sustainability in Grant County. In 2025 The Commons distributed over 300 tons of food to Grant County residents. Nearly 5,000 people a month utilize The Commons Services. Because of your generosity, The Commons can continue meeting immediate needs of the community.

A big thank you to Suzi and Janey for their generosity and for kicking off this fundraising challenge, as well as to the Town of Silver City for sponsoring as a part of their food security initiatives.

The Commons and the Choose Your Own Pantry will be closed January 19th, 2026 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

We will resume regular operating hours on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026.

Letter from Outgoing Executive Director, Iris Nolasco

Dear Commons Supporters,

I am writing to share a decision that comes after much reflection and care. I have decided to step down from my role as Executive Director of The Commons, effective December 31, 2025.

This was not an easy decision. The Commons’ mission, our team, and this community have been at the center of my heart and energy. Serving as Executive Director has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my career, bringing me full circle from my early time with the Volunteer Center in 2007 to witnessing the growth of this amazing organization.

To our community—thank you for being the foundation of everything we do. Whether you’ve visited the pantry, attended a community dinner, volunteered your time, shared resources, or simply spread the word, you have helped shape The Commons into the welcoming place it is today. Our growth, including the expansion of programs and the “Choose Your Own” pantry model, has been driven by your resilience, generosity, and shared belief in caring for one another. I am grateful for the chance to serve this community and witness its strength every day.

Looking ahead, I want to share our plans for a smooth transition. Starting December 1st, Benjamin “Ben” Rasmussen will step into the role of interim Executive Director. Ben and I share a passion for local food systems and have collaborated closely over the past few years. He has my full trust and confidence as a leader who can guide this transition.

In Ben’s words:

“I’ve spent more than a decade leading regional food system work in southwest New Mexico, beginning with helping to launch and grow the regional food policy council, now the SWNM Food System Alliance, founding the Frontier Food Hub, and later serving as CEO of the National Center for Frontier Communities. Throughout that time, I’ve worked closely with The Commons on food distribution, community education, and broader strategies to strengthen our local food system.

I’m excited to step into the interim director role because I care deeply about this organization and understand its importance to Grant County. I look forward to deepening community relationships, advancing ongoing initiatives, and positioning The Commons for a strong next chapter.”

While transitions can feel uncertain, please know our mission remains strong and steady. The Board and Staff are fully committed to continuing our work with the same dedication and care. I have complete confidence in the incredible team and in each of you who make our mission possible.

Although I am stepping away from this leadership role, I remain deeply committed to The Commons’ mission and to the values we’ve built together. Thank you for your trust, understanding, and the countless ways you make our work possible. Leading The Commons has been an honor and a privilege, and I carry immense gratitude for all of you.

With gratitude and warm wishes,

Iris Nolasco

The Commons and the Choose Your Own Pantry will be closed December 20th – January 4th for the holidays. Please plan your pantry visit earlier in the month.

We will resume regular operating hours on Monday, January 4th.

Below is the pantry schedule for December:

Silver City – Choose Your Own Pantry – 501 E 13th St, Silver City, NM 88061

Open Weekly | Tuesday – Thursday | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Open Saturday, December 6th | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Bayard/Santa Clara – New Deal Theater, Fort Bayard, NM

Next Pantry: Tuesday, December 16th | 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Gila/Cliff – Grant County Fairgrounds – 10 Arena Rd, Gila, NM 88038

Next Pantry: Tuesday, December 16th | 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Mimbres – Mimbres Roundup Lodge – 91 Acklin Hill Rd, San Lorenzo, NM 88041

Next Pantry: Wednesday, December 17th | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Give Back to Your Community on December 2nd

December 2nd is Giving Tuesday! A day where people across the globe come together to help those in need in their local communities. We hope that you consider donating to The Commons and join us in our efforts to alleviate hunger in Grant County. Learn more about the Giving Tuesday movement here.

This Giving Tuesday is extra special because your donation will have twice the power it normally does thanks to our End of Year Matching Gift Challenge! We launched this challenge to reach our goal of raising $30,000 to match the generous donation made by Suzi & Janey.

That means your gift will have double the impact:

• $25 becomes $50 to do things like provide fresh produce to local families.
• $50 becomes $100 to do things like stock our community pantry.
• $100 becomes $200 to do things like support local food programs and education.

So far, we have raised a little over 25% of our goal, but let’s not stop there! Your donation will go towards supporting programs like our monthly food distributions, community dinners, and more. Thank you for supporting The Commons and making a difference in our community.

Three Easy Ways to Make Your Gift:

We want to give a huge thank you to Single Socks for their incredibly generous grant award to The Commons!

Single Socks is community thrift store located on 111 W College Ave in Silver City, NM. Not only do they offer our community unique, second-hand clothes, but they are also dedicated to supporting anti-hunger projects right here in Grant County. We are beyond grateful for their continued support and shared goal to cultivate food security and build resiliency.

Josie Ross of Kneeling Nun Mercantile is back to teach another Master Food Preservation Workshop at The Commons! Join us for our next class, Jam Packed Fun with Jams and Jellies on Monday, December 15th from 3-6pm. Learn how to make holiday jams and how to safely can it for later use.

There are only 15 spots per workshop, so make sure you RSVP before they fill up! There is a $5 fee to cover cost of supplies.

Please RSVP by emailing info@thecommonsgc.org or by calling our office at (575) 388-2988.