By JAMES LITTLELos Alamos
Los Alamos, one of the most wealthy cities in the country, has a homeless population as well as people who suffer regular food insecurity. Some may also suffer from mental illness. Seems hard to believe that the percentage of Los Alamos population suffering food insecurity is about the same as in Rio Arriba County.
The Santa Fe Food Depot has for about two years provided a monthly mobile food pantry. In this program food, mostly perishable items, are brought to the Methodist Church parking lot where volunteers help clients “select and shop” for those items that they can use.
LA Cares operating from space at Bethlehem Lutheran Church is a group of volunteers who operate a program to provide monthly, generally non perishable, food boxes to many suffering food insecurity. This program initiated and operated by caring L/A citizens is critical.
Often when the food budget is stretched too far, the food items that are eliminated are the perishable fresh produce … perishable items are usually more costly in the markets. These are the items in which many health benefits are found. Obesity and diabetes often result when empty foods are eaten.
The attendance at these Mobile Food Pantry distribution events has increased almost every month as more folks find out about it and as carpools are formed to help the frail elderly and handicapped take advantage of the opportunity. Typically around 100 are now taking advantage of the program each month. Many clients arrive with minimum jackets and with small children in tow and stand in line shivering until it becomes their turn to shop.
Los Alamos has found money to build and support many top of the line recreational facilities … trails, bike paths, golf course with its fabulous amenities, ice rink, olympic swimming pool. The county has found money to provide art in public places and even small statues at the animal shelter. The county has found money to support a no fare transportation system. The county is now planning to implement more upper class sports amenities. But where is the county commitment to provide relief to those families suffering from food insecurity? Why does Los Alamos County depend upon others to provide these basic services to their citizens?
We should hang our heads in shame at the shabby services and treatment we give our most vulnerable citizens.
