Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Area residents line up outside the Roosevelt County Food Pantry on April 2. About 75 people came through and picked up cabbage, potatoes, carrots and apples.
After almost two years of preparation, the Roosevelt County Food Pantry is serving residents.
In May 2022, officials from the Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico asked the Roosevelt County Commission to consider serving as a fiscal agent for a food security grant. The Commission unanimously agreed with that request.
In August 2022, the county was awarded $216,793.50 to construct the 800 square foot building at 600 N. Ave K in Portales. Food distribution began quietly in January. A "grand opening" announcement is scheduled later this spring.
The location includes a drive-through and curbside pickup.
The Food Bank was also successful in securing grants totaling over $600,000 for increased cold storage and a pantry. Additional grants and gifts from a private foundation, the United Way of Eastern New Mexico and individual contributions covered the expense of the additional startup costs and non-capital equipment, according to Dianna Sprague, executive director for Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico.
"Roosevelt County has needed a dedicated pantry for the community with the capacity to serve greater volumes of food and on a more frequent basis," Sprague said.
Sprague said that since the "soft opening," they've served an average of 450 households and individuals each month.
"Every person has an inherent right to have access to our most basic need: food," Sprague said. "It's our mission to eliminate the barriers that keep that from happening."
Roosevelt County Manager Amber Hamilton said 3,200 county residents were considered "food insecure" in 2022.
"Roosevelt County was noted to have the highest food insecurity rate of the entire service area for Food Bank of ENM," Hamilton said.
"Many residents don't have transportation to access the food bank in Clovis. A permanent and easily accessible food pantry will be a positive addition to Roosevelt County."
Distribution in Portales is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday.
"Sometimes we close early because we might run out for the day," said Casey Peacock, programs coordinator.
To donate to the food bank or to get more information on how to receive, call the Food Bank of ENM at 575-763-6130. Its location in Clovis is at 2217 E. Brady Ave.
