The Laboratory food drive continues through April 10, 2020.
LOS ALAMOS, N.M., April 2, 2020—On the first day of their online food drive, Los Alamos National Laboratory employees donated $16,490 to The Food Depot in support of Northern New Mexicans facing hardship. Triad National Security, LLC, the Laboratory's M&O contractor, contributed an additional $10,000. With another $5,731 coming in from employees in subsequent days, the combined running total amounted to $32,221 by Wednesday afternoon, which will provide more than 100,000 meals to those in need. The Laboratory food drive continues through April 10, 2020.
"Times are difficult for many people in Northern New Mexico because of the COVID-19 emergency, and our employees and the Laboratory are eager to help our communities where we can," said Thom Mason, Laboratory director.
Empty grocery store shelves, restaurant closures, and job losses are just a few of the factors that have put increased demands on The Food Depot, Northern New Mexico's only food bank. The Food Depot has historically relied on retirement-aged volunteers, who are now staying home due to their higher risk of contracting COVID-19. For more than a decade, Los Alamos National Laboratory employees have been participating in the annual drive, but never before has the need been so great for volunteers and contributions.
"The Food Depot is so grateful to be able to translate Los Alamos National Laboratory's support into meals for those experiencing hunger," said Sherry Hooper, executive director of The Food Depot. "Such partnerships are truly what make our community stronger. Thank you to LANL and Triad National Security for demonstrating such commitment and concern."
The Food Depot provides essential hunger relief to the most vulnerable members of the community with drive-through food pantries open to the public, and via a network of nonprofit partners across nine Northern New Mexico counties. This week, The Food Depot launched efforts to continue providing essential hunger relief to its most vulnerable community members while minimizing opportunities for the COVID-19 virus to spread. The Food Depot is in a unique position to support low-income families in developing a supply of food that can sustain them for several days or weeks as this public health event evolves. The organization believes that access to grocery items supports continued social distancing strategies and builds the capacity of struggling families to provide for themselves.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, The Food Depot is not accepting donations of groceries at this time. In lieu of grocery donations, The Food Depot respectfully asks for your financial contributions. To donate online, click here
