At the end of the Rotary year, the club received a Rotary Club Excellence Award from the district.

Brian Brown, Road Runner Food Bank Manager for Volunteer Engagement, spoke to our club.  Brian said that food lines were increasing.  The Pantry opened to the general public and they serve around 120 people per day.  He said most people have jobs; they just don't make enough money.  There is a need in New Mexico for 48 million pounds of food.  The food bank rescues products from grocery stores, Walmart, General Mills, etc.  They authorized their local partners to rescue the food so to maximize shelf life, sooner disbursement, etc.  The Pantry has staff to assist customers in applying for SNAP benefits.  The food bank had over 58,000 volunteers hours last year.  For every dollar donated, they can provide five meals.  About 98 cents of every dollar goes toward food.  They are trying to get a warehouse in Las Cruces.  Catron and Harding counties have no grocery stores.  The club donated $1,800 to the food bank for rice and beans.