ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Hunger has been rising across New Mexico and the Storehouse New Mexico has seen record numbers of people turning to the food pantry for support. The past few months have brought additional challenges due to federal program changes that have made it harder for many local families to afford food. A bright spot during this difficult time has been the recent FACE the Hunger campaign, launched with support from Sandia Area Federal Credit Union, which contributed $50,000 of its own funds, and helped to raise over $345,000 to help feed local families.

This year marked the fifth FACE the Hunger campaign—a collaborative effort between Sandia Area and the Storehouse that began in 2021. The partnership has raised more than $1 million to support the Storehouse, one of New Mexico’s largest food pantries. Each year, Sandia Area has also supported the Storehouse mission by collecting non-perishable food items through the credit union’s branch locations. This year, that effort brought in more 1,600 pounds of food to the Storehouse.

Sandia Area has strengthened public giving by providing matching funds. For the 2025–26 campaign, Sandia Area contributed $50,000 in matching funds, helping the campaign bring in over $345,000 total—the highest amount raised to date.

For Sandia Area, this commitment has been led by the credit union’s leadership and employees, and members also have also given generously to the effort.

“We are grateful for the incredible generosity and support of our members and our community, and thanks to them, our FACE the Hunger campaign not only met its goal, it surpassed it,” said Kevin Todd, CEO and President of Sandia Area Federal Credit Union. “That success reflects the power of community members working together to help ensure every child has access to the meals they need to thrive.”

Kevin Cochran, that manager of the Storehouse New Mexico food pantry, echoed these sentiments.

“We are incredibly grateful for Sandia Area’s continued partnership and the overwhelming generosity of the community,” said Kevin Cochran, manager of the Storehouse New Mexico. “Exceeding this fundraising goal means we can provide more food to more families during a time of unprecedented need.”

FACE in FACE the Hunger stands for Feed Area Children Everyday, emphasizing the reality that 1 in 4 children in New Mexico struggles with hunger. Furthermore, children who are missing meals are not as healthy or successful in school as their well-fed peers. Disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in late 2025, the high cost of living, and ongoing economic challenges have contributed to increased visits to the Storehouse and other local food pantries. In 2024 and in 2025, the Storehouse provided food to nearly 80,000 people, a significant increase from previous years. The nonprofit organization provided over 2.2 million meals in 2025 to New Mexican families.

Fundraising efforts and key partners like Sandia Area are key to the work of the Storehouse food pantry, where every dollar donated can provide five meals.

Media contacts:

Jill Beets | Marketing & Communications
Storehouse New Mexico
Mobile: 505.280.6209 | JBeets@StorehouseNM.org

Rachael Garcia | Senior VP Marketing
Sandia Area Federal Credit Union
(505)256-6011 | rachael.garcia@sandia.org

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.