LAS CRUCES - With the rising cost of living, the demand for food pantries in southern New Mexico is continuing to grow. For individuals like Nathaniel Ramirez who live paycheck to paycheck, a small increase could mean the difference between paying rent and being able to eat.

“I mean, minimum wage, it’s just not enough these days. Most Americans are working all day and all night just to try to make a decent living for their family, you know? The rent costs have gone up around here, a lot of things have gone up, and especially if you’re not getting food stamps or benefits, or if you’re working and not getting enough money, the food here definitely helps out.”

For Nathaniel, programs like the Casa de Peregrinos food pantry have helped him get back on his feet.

“It definitely helps out when you have a resource to come good food. Some people don’t get food stamps, they don’t get all that stuff,” he said. “I have to pay cash for my food. So I really just live [frugally] until things get better."

Food insecurity in New Mexico stands higher than the national average, making food programs valuable for citizens struggling with the cost of living. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food prices are nearly six percent higher now compared to June of last year.

According to Becky Pearson, Head of NMSU’s Department of Public Health Science, remedying food insecurity has long-lasting societal implications, but finding the right approach to address the issue can be difficult.

“This is a really complex issue. It’s so much more than dollars and cents. It is so much more than haves and have-nots. It is so much more than looking at someone else’s basket and thinking, gosh, they’re not doing well, or looking at their weight and thinking, oh, they must be fine.” she said. “But the economics of it are what people will buy into and what people will [be sold.] If we can talk about the expenses saved with prevention, that really helps.”

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