Hunger is rising across New Mexico, and many families are struggling. Because of this urgent need, Sandia Area Federal Credit Union has launched the FACE the Hunger 2025 holiday campaign with the Storehouse New Mexico, one of the state’s largest food pantries. The credit union has pledged $50,000 in matching gifts, essentially doubling the impact of individual gifts. With the community’s help, the goal is to raise enough funds to provide more than 1 million meals this holiday season.
A Community Call to Action
“At Sandia Area, we believe no child should go hungry,” said Kevin Todd, CEO of Sandia Area Federal Credit Union. He explained that FACE the Hunger is more than a seasonal effort. It is a community call to action. Hunger is a challenge no single group can solve alone. For this reason, Sandia Area is proud to stand with its members and provide support for local families.
Sandia Area is supporting Storehouse New Mexico in several meaningful ways. The credit union is donating $50,000 in matching funds. In addition, Sandia Area branches across Albuquerque will serve as collection points for canned and shelf-stable foods. Members can also make financial contributions at any branch. Moreover, the public can donate online at StorehouseNM.org by selecting the FACE the Hunger campaign.
By matching the first $50,000 in donations and opening branches for food collection, the credit union invites the entire community to participate. Together, residents can help ensure children receive the meals they need to thrive this holiday season.
Sandia Area & FACE the Hunger: How it Started
The idea of FACE the Hunger campaigns is rooted in a discussion that started with a tour in 2021 and a candid talk between Sandia Area and the Storehouse team. Sandia Area was surprised to learn that 1 in 4 New Mexico children faces hunger. Further, that this is an ongoing issue rather than a seasonal one. Sandia Area was inspired to get involved and they pledged to help with a campaign in spring of 2021. It was called FACE the Hunger, with FACE standing for Feed Area Children Everyday. The name highlights the difficult truth that local children face: wondering where their next meal might come from on a daily basis.
FACE the Hunger campaigns have continued with support of Sandia Area each year since 2021. Sandia Area has contributed $225,000 to FACE campaigns to date. More importantly, due to those matching funds, the Storehouse has raised nearly $750,000 with public support with these campaigns. This year, Sandia Area may is hoping to help the Storehouse raise enough to provide 1 million meals. If reached, that goal would me that together the two organizations would have raised over $1 million over the five years of FACE the Hunger campaigns.
A Critical Partnership for a Growing Need
“Sandia Area has been an incredible partner in the fight against hunger for several years,” said Kevin Cochran, manager of Storehouse New Mexico. He noted that this holiday campaign arrives at a critical moment.
Record numbers of local families rely on the pantry. Recent cuts to SNAP benefits, furloughed federal employees, rising sots of living, and ongoing economic pressures have increased demand for food assistance nationwide. The same holds true in New Mexico as visits to the Storehouse climbed in recent months.
In 2024, the Storehouse served nearly 80,000 people. This number is markedly higher than the average of 50,000 people in previous years, and the organization expects even more in 2025. The matching gift of $50,000 from Sandia Area is generous and inspiring. Cochran hopes the match will motivate even more people to support local families during the holidays.
How to Support FACE the Hunger Holiday Campaign
The public can participate in the FACE the Hunger campaign in several ways:
- Donate to the FACE the Hunger campaign on the StorehouseNM.org website through early January
- Drop off canned proteins, soups, peanut butter, pasta, rice, and other shelf-stable foods at any Sandia Area branch in Albuquerque or Rio Rancho. See Sandia Area locations on their website.
- Make a financial donation at any Sandia Area Federal Credit Union location or at Sandia.org.
Every dollar donated provides five meals, and Sandia Area’s matching funds will double the impact of the first $50,000 in gifts. The Storehouse greatly appreciates the partnership of Sandia Area and everyone who contributes to the campaign. Together, we can ensure the food pantry is here when local families need us.