St. Luke’s, La Union:
85,000 lbs of food
distributed since June 1
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in La Union has been busy this summer with a new outreach to the community. We have long known that our region of the valley is a “food desert”. These are areas with few real options to buy or otherwise obtain healthy foods, fresh fruits, and veggies. There is not a permanent regular food bank or pantry between Las Cruces and Sunland Park in New Mexico or between Anthony and El Paso in Texas. This area is home to many farm and ranch workers who live well below the national poverty line and do not have enough healthy food to eat. We have long prayed to be a part that the solution to this issue. Enter Manny Segovia of Segovia’s Distributing. Segovia’s won a contract to help distribute 25 lbs. boxes of farm fresh produce and fruit to area food banks, pantries, and other distribution outlets. Manny contacted a member of St. Luke’s and wondered if we could help feed the needy. We said yes, we can. Today, we distribute 12,600 pounds (504 boxes) of fresh produce each week to the people of southern New Mexico and Southwest Texas. Each box contains a variety of vegetables, leafy greens, and fruits. Since the first of June, we have handed out more than 85,000 pounds of food.
Along with providing food, we have prayed with and for members of our community and have partnered with the Gideons for the distribution of New Testaments in English and Spanish. Even in these trying times the church can do the work Jesus commanded us to do. Feeding body and soul one case at a time.
Fr. Daniel E. Cave, Rector
Lori Schall
Food Pantry Outreach Coordinator
