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.