LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KTSM) – Casa de Peregrinos (CdP) food pantry, which supplies food and groceries to families across Doña Ana County, expects their clients to further turn to their support services if President Trump’s so-called “big beautiful bill” (BBB) is approved by Congress.
The BBB is the Trump Administration’s proposed government spending and tax bill. It was recently approved by the U.S. Senate and proposes steep cuts to federal programs like SNAP and Medicaid. The bill is in the process of being reviewed and discussed for approval by the U.S. House.
Casa de Peregrinos is launching an awareness campaign called “Hope Begins With A Meal,” calling for community support in the event the bill is approved and kicks in at the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1.
“Our storied nonprofit has been blessed by this community’s contributions for more than four decades. I hope that you will continue to move our mission forward. We could use monetary contributions, food donations, food drives, volunteerism, and advocacy as part of this campaign,” CdP’s Executive Director Lorenzo Alba Jr. said.
Alba said that they don’t depend much on federal grants to operate and offer their services. However, he said that the working families they support are heavily dependent on food stamps and other federal programs which are poised to see steep funding cuts with the BBB.
“It’s going to become more difficult because we won’t be able to give them as much food. Right now, we’re averaging anywhere from 120 to 150 pounds of food every time somebody comes in these doors. That’s a significant amount of food. It’s a full basket, full of food. If we have to cut back on that, they’re going to have to make some tough decisions at home. ‘Do I buy my medications? Do I pay my rent? Do I pay my utility bills or do I go buy food,’” Alba said.
Alba said that contrary to popular belief, CdP serves working families who despite their income are struggling to put food on their table for their loved ones.
He said Casa de Peregrinso is set to serve over 7 million pounds of food to families across Doña Ana County this year, and worries they will have to cut back.
“We want to make sure that we don’t take any steps backwards. So if we continue to serve that amount of food to people, I think we’re going to be OK, and we’re going to be a big help for a lot of families here,” Alba said.
You can learn more about Casa de Peregrinos and how to help by visiting their website here.
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