Today is Thanksgiving. Most of us are thankful for the school break we were given; for the paycheck received (for those who work); for surviving our teenage years; and especially for the mouth-watering turkey; sided with sweet cranberry sauce; and soft, warm bread next to the mashed potatoes covered with gravy, awaiting us at the dinner table in the company of our family with all the coziness possible.

But one out of six New Mexicans would be thankful today if they could only have a meal on their table, not caring if it's the traditional turkey banquet or mac and cheese — just something to eat.

"New Mexico ranks second of the 50 states in food insecurity; and third in hunger, which is the painful sensation caused by an involuntary lack of food, which can result from food insecurity," according to an analysis by the Center on Hunger and Poverty.

In our community, those who are primarily affected are families with limited incomes; seniors who struggle with a tight monthly stipend; victims of domestic abuse; homeless people; those in ill health; and children.

"As the economy continues to decline, many families will soon face tragic choices such as paying for heat and buying food," said Sherry Hooper, executive director of The Food Depot. The Food Depot is Northern New Mexico's food bank, serving as a not-for-profit clearinghouse for food donated by private and public sources to fight the ongoing battle against hunger and poverty. It provides food to 100 not-for-profit agencies, including emergency food pantries, hot-meal programs, working-poor families, homeless shelters, youth programs, senior centers, homes for the mentally disabled, shelters for battered persons and, when needed, to local disaster-relief agencies.

"The holidays are historically a time when The Food Depot raises a great amount of funds — funds that support our work during months that tend to see decreased financial support. We have nearly 100 nonprofit food programs and thousands of people counting on us. We need the help of the Northern New Mexico community to help us," Hooper said,

In an attempt to end, or at least fight against hunger, Santa Fe teens — and numerous busiesses around town — are conducting a food drive at every high school in Santa Fe from Dec. 1 through Dec. 18. If you want to be part of this charitable effort, this is what you can do to help others: Stop by Wild Oats Market, purchase a pre-assembled bag of groceries, then drop it in the bin for The Food Depot. Cannedood can aso be dropped off at Smith's grocery stores. The New Mexican's downtown office also has food bins for donations.

If you're ready to fill up a sack to help fight hunger, or even just drop off an item, here's the list preferable donations: nonperishable food items such as canned vegetables and fruits; canned meats and canned tuna; dried beans; pasta and rice; soups; cranberry sauce; pumpkin; canned yams; stuffing mixes; peanut butter; and dried goods. And frozen turkeys — which are in great need — can be dropped off at The Food Depot at 1222 Siler Road.

If you need more information about how
you can contribute, contact The Food Depot at 471-1633, or visit the Web site www.thefooddepot.org. Remember, not everyone has the same opportunities that we do, so we must do all we can to help eradicate hunger in New Mexico.



Dulce Cervantes is a junior at Santa Fe High School. You can reach her at elenacvt@yahoo.com.