By Jim Hilley, The Roswell Daily Record — Harvest Ministries in Roswell is among the New Mexico food banks, food pantries and charitable organization that are to benefit from “Turkey Bucks,” an annual campaign by Albertsons Market and Market Street that allows shoppers at those stores to easily make donations to help local families facing hunger.
This is an especially difficult year for those in need, said Harvest Ministries pastor Mark Green in an email.
“Everyone knows that food prices are very high and that affects all of us, but for the people who live paycheck to paycheck, food costs have put a huge dent in their family budget,” he said. “All of that financial anxiety is increased during the holidays. That is why organizations like Harvest are so important. We help ease that part of their financial burdens with supplemental food.”
Turkey Bucks is a donate-at-the-register campaign that goes until Nov. 8 and is designed to support local families facing hunger, according to an Oct. 26 press release from United Supermarkets, LLC, the parent company of Albertsons Market and Market Street.
“As the need for food assistance continues in many communities, the campaign provides a simple way for guests to make a meaningful impact,” the release stated. Donations collected in each community will remain in that community to help address local food insecurity, according to the release.
“We are excited to launch Turkey Bucks and partner with our guests to help families in our communities,” said Carlos Hernandez, district manager for The United Family. “The holiday season is a time for giving, and every donation helps ensure that our neighbors have access to the food and resources they need.”
Harvest Ministries is located at 601 N. Main Street in Roswell. The ministry was founded in 2006 by Phil “Ruby” Rubenstein and has grown to become an important source for individuals and families in Southeast New Mexico, according to Green. He said Albertsons has been an important partner with his organization for many years.
“Albertsons managers have been great to work with,” Green said. “Whenever we need to order bulk items, we just give them a list, and they get it ordered and have it palletized and ready to pick up. Albertsons has been a great help.”
Green said the assistance Harvest Ministries receives from Albertsons has been different each year. “One year, it was frozen turkeys,” he said. Another year it has been gift cards. Harvest Ministries used to purchase items for Christmas holiday boxes or for bulk purchases of items the ministry was low on.
“I think our clients are going to appreciate the gift cards that Albertsons is giving us to distribute this year,” Green said.
According to the release, funds raised through Turkey Bucks benefit food banks, food pantries and charitable organizations across the region.
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