Today, the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association’s Brighter Future Fund awarded $50,000 to eight New Mexico non-profit organizations in support of efforts to reduce hunger and strengthen food security.

 

As a result of the expanding COVID-19 pandemic, NMOGA prioritized awards for food banks stressed with increasing demand for services and depleting inventories. The awarded organizations serve New Mexicans in 15 counties, representing more than 70% of the state’s population.

 

“It’s important for all of us to step up and do our part during these difficult and challenging times. For most New Mexicans that simply means staying home and staying safe, but it also means making the most of our available resources to support those in need,” said Ryan Flynn, Executive Director of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association. “We created the Brighter Future Fund because we believe in empowering our communities, improving the lives of our citizens, and responding to the basic needs of our neighbors. The oil and gas industry is deeply committed to New Mexico and our state’s future depends on all of us helping one another succeed.”

 

These awards are the second installment of a $200,000 commitment this year to invest in efforts to expand STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Education, increase economic opportunity, and reduce hunger in communities across New Mexico. The recipients of the awards and their objectives are:

 

Casa de Peregrinos - $5,000 to support efforts to reduce hunger in Dona Ana County.
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The Food Depot - $10,000 to support efforts to reduce hunger in Colfax, Harding, Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Taos, and Union Counties.
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Grants Milan Rotary Foundation - $10,000 to support efforts to reduce hunger in Cibola County.
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Northwest New Mexico Seniors - $5,000 to support efforts to reduce hunger in San Juan County.
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Rio Grande Food Project - $5,000 to support efforts to reduce hunger in Bernalillo County.
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Silver Horizons New Mexico - $5,000 to support efforts to reduce hunger in Bernalillo County.
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St. Felix Pantry - $5,000 to support efforts to reduce hunger in Sandoval County.
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The Salvation Army of Hobbs - $5,000 to support efforts to reduce hunger in Lea County.
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Sherry Hooper, Executive Director of The Food Depot added, “The Food Depot is able to stretch every dollar to provide four meals. Therefore, the gift made by New Mexico Oil and Gas Association provided 40,000 meals to persons in need. The Food Depot is so grateful to be able to translate NMOGA’s support into meals for those experiencing hunger. Such partnerships are truly what make our community stronger. Thank you to NMOGA for demonstrating such commitment and concern.”

 

“Through the funding generously provided by NMOGA, it is a brighter day for many homebound seniors in San Juan County. With close to sixty homebound seniors on a waiting list for close to a year, your gift has not only made our work easier, it has lifted our community. Being on the other side of the phone and letting a senior know we can deliver a meal to their door everyday makes my heart happy,” said Susan Steinhoff Smith, Interim Executive Director, Northwest New Mexico Seniors.

 

The Brighter Future Fund is supported by the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association, the American Petroleum Institute (API), and their members. The Albuquerque Community Foundation administers the application and award processes and helps ensure funds are invested strategically in communities throughout New Mexico.

 

For more information about the awardees, guidelines, and application process, please visit https://www.nmoga.org/brighterfuturefund.