In response to the scarcity of fresh produce during the COVID-19 pandemic, Courtney McCary-Squyres, a lead organizer with the non-profit With Many Hands, initiated a transformative project in Alamogordo and Tularosa. Recognizing the urgent need for accessible fresh food, she spearheaded the creation of community gardens on vacant lots. This initiative not only addresses food instability but also revitalizes neglected areas of the community. On Hunger Action Day, McCary-Squyres and her team joined forces with Roadrunner Food Bank to advocate for House Bill 229, which seeks to allocate $430,000 from the general fund to New Mexico State University for distribution through approved supplier programs. The organization has already established multiple thriving gardens, engaging hundreds of volunteers who plant, water, and harvest crops, ensuring everyone has access to fresh produce.
The inception of these community gardens was driven by the alarming lack of fresh fruits and vegetables observed by McCary-Squyres during the pandemic. She quickly realized that this issue was widespread among her neighbors. Inspired by online examples of successful community gardens, she became passionate about replicating such efforts locally. With Many Hands has since developed several gardens in Alamogordo and Roswell, transforming barren lots into vibrant green spaces. These gardens cultivate a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, providing abundant harvests for the community. Volunteers play a crucial role, participating in planting, watering, and harvesting, sometimes even delivering produce to those unable to visit the gardens.
One of the latest projects is the Puerto Rico Avenue garden, covering half an acre and dedicated partly to children's activities. This space encourages families to engage in gardening, fostering a sense of community and environmental stewardship. McCary-Squyres emphasizes that these gardens do more than just provide nourishment; they bring people together and revitalize underutilized areas. Her own four children have actively participated in community work days, contributing to the garden's success.
Beyond the gardens, With Many Hands advocates for legislative support to combat food insecurity. They are backing House Bill 77, which aims to enhance SNAP outreach efforts. Additionally, they support initiatives like House Bill 17, aimed at reducing grocery costs, and Senate Bill 4, promoting free and healthy school meals. These combined efforts highlight the commitment of Otero County residents to improving food security and quality of life for all community members.
Hunger Action Day saw approximately 150 advocates from across the state gathering to promote these causes. The event featured music, remarks from food bank leaders, and speeches by state representatives. Through these collective actions, McCary-Squyres and her fellow advocates are making significant strides toward ensuring sustainable access to nutritious food for everyone in their community.