Health and Wellness Initiative

At Roadrunner® Food Bank, we believe it’s not just enough to feed the hungry in New Mexico; we are also committed to providing healthy food for those experiencing food insecurity. We take pride in the fresh and nutritious foods we distribute each year. In fact, one-third of the food we provide our community is fresh produce. These nutritious fruits and vegetables are part of our Food Rescue Program, which sources food internationally, nationally, regionally, and locally from many different food providers, including farms and growers.

Food Insecurity and Hunger Often Means Poor Health

Data shows us that food insecurity and health go hand in hand. Food-insecure individuals are more likely to experience colds, stomach aches, and migraines and suffer from generally poorer health than food secure individuals. Food insecurity can complicate issues like blood pressure and diabetes, as low-income individuals often have to choose between medication and food, and generally have trouble finding or affording nutritious food that can help improve their conditions.

There is a cycle of food insecurity and chronic disease that starts when someone can’t afford enough nutritious food. Combining stress with poor nutrition can make managing a chronic disease even more challenging. Plus, health conditions add even more strain on the family budget, which causes the cycle to continue.

Research called Hunger in America study found some staggering statistics about New Mexico’s food pantry clients:

  • Nearly half (46%) report being in poor or fair health;
  • 59% report choosing between paying for medicine or medical care or buying food at least once in the past 12 months;
  • 44% of hungry households said they have medical bills to pay, and;
  • 75% report purchasing inexpensive, unhealthy food as the most common way to have at least some food at home to eat.

Food Insecurity and Hunger Increases Healthcare Costs

The health and hunger connection impacts health care costs too. Research shows that in New Mexico alone, healthcare costs attributed to food insecurity exceed $1,450 per food secure adult every year. Those are significant dollars that low-income families don’t have available to spend and can often lead to higher food insecurity forcing families to make even more tough choices…not paying rent/mortgage, forgoing buying needed medication, etc.  To learn more about health and hunger, click here.

Healthy, nutritious food is the basis of good health for all individuals, from children to adults and seniors. At Roadrunner Food Bank, we work with several partners to provide this nutritious food, as well as health care for low-income and food-insecure individuals who may not have enough money to see a physician or health care provider on their own.

Becoming a Food Distribution Partner 

Our Health and Wellness Initiative focuses primarily on produce and other nutritious food offered at our Healthy Foods Center with a certified healthcare referral, and through healthcare clinics who are partners of our Healthy Foods Market program. The purpose is to place as much nutritious food as possible into the lives of those experiencing both hunger and a chronic health condition.

If you’re interested in providing fresh fruits and vegetables for those facing hunger and a chronic health issue, please complete this short questionnaire regarding your needs and intentions. Once the form is submitted, our staff will review it and get back to you within a few weeks. Please note, this is not the official application or agreement of partnership.  It simply helps us understand your current food assistance program or your intentions to start one.

Finding Food Assistance

If you need access to food assistance in your area, please click here and enter your zip code.

Health and Wellness Initiative Programs

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