In January, our Interim Executive Director, Ben Rasmussen was featured in an article from Edible New Mexico titled On Hunger’s Cutting Edge, which touched on the complexities of food security and food pantry operations in New Mexico. Ben discusses the work of the Frontier Food Hub, a close partner of The Commons’, who provides our pantry with direct access to produce from local farmers. This fresh produce is included in our food distribution programs, such as the Choose Your Own Pantry in Silver City.
“At the very end of one Roadrunner delivery route, residents in one of New Mexico’s most rural communities are working to solve local food issues on their own terms. In Silver City, this led to the creation of the Frontier Food Hub, a nonprofit that aims to help nearby farmers and producers sell and distribute their goods within the region, and to help local food pantries within the 17,000 square miles of Catron, Grant, Hidalgo, and Luna Counties access their products as well.”
“From Rasmussen’s perspective, this dual focus on both eaters and farmers addresses key food banking challenges around nutrition, waste, and cultural relevancy…Rasmussen believes, when local food pantries can source directly from nearby farmers, food is not only fresher, it’s more likely to appeal to local palates.”
