Roadrunner Food Bank affected by federal spending cuts

Yahoo

11-04-2025

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Federal funding cuts are forcing shortfalls on New Mexico food banks, one of the largest non-profits in the state, said it has lost more than a million dollars it uses to feed the hungry.
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The Roadrunner Food Bank says it's out $1.9 million in funding from a special USDA fund they use to buy food, which is about a 30% cut. And there's no word on when or if that money will come back. 'Is this going to become a normal thing where truckloads are being canceled and there's suddenly a much smaller amount of food available?' said Vice President of Strategy, Katy Anderson.
The Roadrunner Food Bank is among those dealing with federal funding cuts from the Trump administration. 'About 30 to 31 percent of the food that goes out through the food bank network in New Mexico is through the TEFAP program or those commodities. And so, there's no clarity as to whether those are canceled forever, if they're delayed,' continued Anderson.
Nationally, the USDA cut $500 million specifically for food banks. For the Roadrunner Food Bank, their share of the cuts means canceling 20 truckloads of food, through the end of June. 'It can be a pretty dire circumstance for the food bank. How are we going to replace that food and ensure that people get what they need?' emphasized Anderson.
Entering the summer, when they see increased demand, they're concerned about supply. 'It makes planning for the upcoming summer a challenge as well. How are we going to handle that and ensure that that food is available to families in our state?' said Anderson.
The cuts have not impacted the city's summer lunch program for kids across 80 parks, schools, and rec centers across Albuquerque. 'I think it'll be a great kind of way for us to still be the lifeline for families and still help them,' said Public Information Officer from the Department of Youth and Family Services Brianna Gallegos.
The city's summer lunch program begins the first week of June.
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