ALBUQUERQUE, NM — With hunger rising across New Mexico and local food pantries experiencing record demand, Sandia Area Federal Credit Union has launched the FACE the Hunger holiday campaign to support Storehouse New Mexico, one of the state’s largest food pantries. Sandia Area is pledging $50,000 in matching funds and mobilizing its members and the community with the goal of raising enough to provide more than 1 million meals for local families this holiday season.

Sandia Area is supporting the Storehouse effort in multiple ways. Not only is Sandia Area giving $50,000 to the effort, Sandia Area branches in the Albuquerque area will serve as collection points for canned and shelf-stable food donations, and credit union members will have the opportunity to make financial contributions at each branch. The public can also donate at StorehouseNM.org by selecting the FACE the Hunger campaign.

“At Sandia Area, we believe no child should go hungry,” said Kevin Todd, CEO of Sandia Area Federal Credit Union. “FACE the Hunger is more than a campaign — it’s a call to action for our community. Hunger is a challenge no single organization can solve alone. That’s why Sandia Area is proud to stand alongside our generous members to ensure that every child has access to the meals they need to thrive.

By matching the first $50,000 in donations and opening our branches for food collection, we’re inviting the entire community to join us in making sure families have what they need this holiday season. Together, we can ensure that every child has access to the meals they need to thrive,” Todd said.

FACE in FACE the Hunger stands for Feed Area Children Everyday, emphasizing the reality that 1 in 4 children in New Mexico is struggling with hunger. Recent disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the high cost of living, and ongoing economic challenges have contributed to increased visits to the Storehouse and other local food pantries. In 2024, the Storehouse provided food to nearly 80,000 people, a significant increase from previous years. The organization expects to exceed that number in 2025.

“Sandia Area has been an incredible partner in the fight against hunger for several years and this holiday campaign is coming at a critical moment,” said Kevin Cochran, manager of the Storehouse New Mexico. “With record numbers of people counting on the food pantry, the matching gifts of $50,000 from Sandia Area is incredibly generous and will hopefully inspire more people to help us feed local families.”

How the Public Can Participate

Community members can support the FACE the Hunger campaign in several ways:

• Donate online at StorehouseNM.org and select the FACE the Hunger campaign or by visiting Sandia.org
• Drop off canned proteins, soups, peanut butter, pasta, rice, and other shelf-stable foods at any Sandia Area Federal Credit Union branch in Albuquerque or Rio Rancho
• Make a financial donation at any Sandia Area branch

Every dollar donated can provide five meals, and Sandia Area’s matching funds will double the impact of the first $50,000 in donations.

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About Sandia Area Federal Credit Union
Sandia Area Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, nonprofit financial cooperative serving New Mexico communities since 1956. Founded to support military personnel at Kirtland Air Force Base, the credit union has grown to more than 85,000 members and over $1.3 billion in assets. Sandia Area offers a full range of personal and business banking services across Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe, with nationwide access through ATMs and digital banking. Recognized by Forbes as a Best-In-State Credit Union three years in a row, Sandia Area remains committed to providing “better banking” and strengthening the communities it serves. Learn more at Sandia.org

About Storehouse New Mexico

Storehouse New Mexico is one of the state’s largest and most impactful food pantries, feeding nearly 80,000 people a year from infants to seniors. In early 2026, the Storehouse will be celebrating 50 years of fighting hunger in New Mexico. The Storehouse provides free groceries including canned and shelf stable foods as well as meat, dairy products and fresh fruits and vegetables to people in need. In total, the Storehouse provided over 2.1 million meals in 2024, with the help of donors and volunteers. Learn more at StorehouseNM.org.