Imagine a family who is in need of food. They have a few food items at home, but it is not enough to make complete meals for the next few days. With finances stretched thin, a trip to the grocery store is out of the question.
Eating is one of the most basic of human needs. The United States has an abundance of food, but often our diets are still lacking in quality. With a median household income of $38,426 and 28% of the population living below the poverty line, Doña Ana County struggles economically.
Residents in many parts of Doña Ana County have limited access to healthy food; 28% of the county’s residents live in USDA-designated “food deserts.” Of these, about one-quarter live in the city of Las Cruces while the majority live in rural areas and colonias. Countywide, about three-quarters of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch, but this reaches close to 100% in the southern Gadsden school district. Limited transportation options also create barriers to food access, especially for low-income residents.
Food deserts are officially defined as parts of the country vapid of fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthful whole foods, usually found in impoverished areas. This is largely due to a lack of grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and healthy food providers. There are thousands in our community who are food insecure, meaning they at times don't have enough to eat because of lack of money or resources.
That is why Chihuahuan Desert Charities is proud to announce the launch of a new hunger-fighting campaign: Love the People, Feed the People!
The DYGUP & SUSTAIN program offers the opportunity to educate Las Cruces youth on how to grow and choose healthy food options that consist of fresh locally grown produce in addition to meats, dairy products, baked goods, and other staple food items.
Chihuahuan Desert Charities, Shahid Mustafa, owner of Taylor Hood Farms and Rachel Ryan, owner of Backyard Farms LC, understand the great need in our community to teach regenerative agriculture in low income, high need food deserts. Their commitment to providing locally grown, organic produce is in line with Chihuahuan Desert Charities mission of using education to empower communities with agricultural and literacy skills.
Chihuahuan Desert Charities is a 501(c)(3), established in 2015. The funds received will greatly impact our community’s young people.
The collaborative spirit of the program allows for a more streamlined opportunity for those who are food insecure. Chihuahuan Desert Charities works to relieve hunger and partners with like-minded organizations to provide healthy food to the Doña Ana community, The people we serve will know that they can grow and receive food that is so necessary for an atmosphere that promotes dignity in the choice of food. The areas that we will be serving will become an “Oasis” in what is a true food desert. Remember to always: Love The People, Feed the People! To donate or sponsor the DYGUP & SUSTAIN program visit: Chihuahuandesertcharities.org
Chihuahuan Desert Charities has been working hard behind the scenes with our exciting new partners preparing for, “Love the People, Feed the People!” We will receive donations for the purposes of The DYGUP & SUSTAIN Program. Proceeds will be used to invest in farming equipment, more crop seeds, improving curriculum, and to cover labor costs to allow for more supervised time with students.
We will combine our commitment to provide locally grown, organic produce. It is our mission, at Chihuahuan Desert Charities, to empower economic success for the region. It was a union meant to be!
Will you join us? Come back each day to learn more about this important mission and how YOU can make a difference. You can help immediately by giving to our “Love the People, Feed the People!” campaign.