Proudly Partnered With Roadrunner Food Bank

Volunteers are a critical component in the food bank’s mission and work.  Their helping hands sort through produce donations, repackage food items like pasta, rice, cereal, and many other products to ensure food is ready to be loaded onto Roadrunner Food Bank’s fleet and then delivered across the state. Last year, volunteers provided nearly 58,000 hours of service to the people of New Mexico.

Staff and volunteers held a drive through distribution recently right in Roadrunner Food Bank’s parking lot. The food distribution was held specifically for seniors in the Albuquerque area in June. Seniors often are one of the most vulnerable to hunger because of their tight budgets due to fixed incomes.  In addition, as we age, chronic health issues can arise which can more detrimental because of food insecurity’s negative impact on people’s health. In New Mexico, one food insecure adult can spend $1400 more annually because of the contributing factors of hunger on their health.

This “pop up produce” distribution model is often an easy way to serve hundreds of families at a time.  The distribution pictured was held at a church in Las Cruces.  They volunteered right along side of our staff and other area hunger relief organizations of the food bank’s who also got involved. These are held throughout southern New Mexico in many communities.  Since these pop up style distributions began in May, they have provided more than 370,000 pounds of food and reached more than 8500 people in six New Mexico communities from Las Cruces to Silver City to Lordsburg and Columbus.

How Food Banks Work

Food banks operate by collecting, storing, and distributing food to those in need. They typically receive donations from grocery stores, food manufacturers, other food industry companies and community food drives. Volunteers and staff sort, package, and sometimes prepare the food, ensuring it is safe and suitable for distribution. The food is then provided to local agencies, such as shelters, soup kitchens, and community centers, or directly to individuals and families facing food insecurity. By leveraging donations and volunteer efforts, food banks play a crucial role in alleviating hunger and supporting vulnerable populations.

Make a donation

Roadrunner Food Bank’s warehouse is in Albuquerque, NM.  It supplies food to about 350 organizations and partners in 24 New Mexico counties providing more than 46 million pounds of food last year.   Food banks take in food from a variety of sources including large volume donations such as the generous gift from Desert Premium Logistics. Food Roadrunner distributes also comes from grocery stores, growers, producers, food manufacturers, and other food industry partners.  It also comes from every day people hosting a food drive on their behalf.

Desert Premium Logistics a Division of Insignia International Donates Over 1 Million Pounds of Food to Help Food Banks in the Region - it Equates to 833,333 Meals.

Albuquerque, NM — Desert Premium Logistics is deeply honored to announce that they have donated over 1 million pounds of food to help regional food bank provide food to people facing hunger in this region of the country. This heartfelt contribution is poised to provide more than 833,333 much-needed meals children, seniors, families, and adults facing hunger.  The contribution reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the community and addressing food insecurity.

The donation, which includes a wide variety of essential food items, showcases Desert Premium Logistics’ dedication to giving back to those in need. "It’s a privilege for us to support food bank in this part of their country in their tireless efforts to combat hunger," shared John Jacobs, CEO of Desert Premium Logistics. "We are profoundly grateful for the opportunity to help our community in such a meaningful way."

Roadrunner Food Bank coordinated the donation from Desert Premium Logistics to go to food banks in the southwest region.  Roadrunner worked with El Pasoans Fighting Hunger to coordinate the repack of the large volume food donations coming from Desert Premium Logistics.  The two food banks are nonprofits that provide a crucial source of access to emergency food. Roadrunner Food Bank provides direct service to 24 of the 33 New Mexico counties and El Pasoans Fighting Hunger serves the borderland area in and around El Paso.  Food banks are also proud to provide nutritious food options too such as fresh fruits and vegetables thanks to donation like this one from Desert Premium Logistics.   

Kris Mendoza, Senior Director of Food Sourcing at Roadrunner Food Bank said, “This significant food donation not only provides nourishment, but also brings hope and comfort to so many of our neighbors in need who are facing hunger. Our team is grateful for this wonderful food donation entrusted to us for the people we serve and to coordinate its use with other food banks we partner with in the region.  Thank you Desert Premium Logistics and becoming a valuable partner in our mission. Your kindness truly makes a difference.”

To understand the magnitude of this donation, consider that 1 million pounds of food equates to approximately 23 large semi-loads filled to the brim with food or the length of almost 5 football fields. This enormous gift translates to around 833,333 meals. Each meal provided through this donation represents a vital step towards improved food security and increased access to nutrition for families across our community.

Desert Premium Logistics, a leading third-party logistics provider, has always been committed to corporate social responsibility. This latest act of giving is a testament to their long-standing efforts to support local communities and tackle critical social challenges. The company has a strong tradition of community involvement and is honored to be able to support various charitable initiatives.

"We believe that contributing to the well-being of our community is an essential part of who we are," said John Jacobs. "We are humbled by the opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of so many families and are thankful for the support of our team and partners in making this possible."

The impact of Desert Premium Logistics’ donation extends far beyond providing meals; it offers hope and stability to families who are struggling. Access to reliable food sources can transform lives, providing families with the security to focus on other critical needs without the constant worry of hunger. This act of generosity from Desert Premium Logistics helps ensure that tens of thousands of families can find some relief and stability during challenging times.

Over the coming months, Roadrunner Food Bank and El Pasoans Fighting Hunger will work diligently to distribute this food to those who need it most. The two organizations work with a network of hundreds of partner agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, schools, low-income senior housing locations, senior centers, healthcare sites, and other hunger relief organizations in the region to efficiently provide food across New Mexico and borderland communities in and near El Paso. Every meal made possible by this donation not only nourishes but also reinforces the community’s strength and solidarity in the face of adversity.

Desert Premium Logistics is aware of the ongoing challenges many families face, especially in times of economic uncertainty. By stepping forward to support their community, the company hopes to inspire others to contribute and make a positive impact. This donation highlights the importance of community support and the collective effort needed to address hunger and food insecurity.

“This significant donation was made possible through the hard work and dedication of our entire team,” said Special Projects Manager Christopher Zelenko. “We want to express our deepest gratitude to our warehouse supervisor, Enrique Gallardo, our team lead, Juan De La Cruz Sr., and our warehouse operators Lola, Nicholas, Jermaine, Carlos, Gilbert, as well as all the drivers who ensured these shipments reached their destination.”

For more information about Desert Premium Logistics and their community initiatives, please visit https://www.DesertPremiumLogistics.com.

To learn more about Roadrunner Food Bank, please visit https://www.rrfb.org. To learn more about El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, visit https://elpasoansfightinghunger.org/