Project Communidad reports food pantry served hundreds across Luna County; to offer VITA referrals

Jen, a representative of Project Communidad, told the Luna County Board of County Commissioners that the group's food pantry served hundreds of local households in March and outlined a new financial‑stability partnership and tax‑assistance referral plan.

Project Communidad reported that in March its food pantry served 547 households, reaching 1,210 individuals across Luna County, and said the organization is participating in family financial well‑being training with the University of New Mexico Office of Community Health. "Through our food pantry, we served 547 households reaching 1,210 individuals across Luna County," Jen said.

The update matters because it describes both immediate relief — emergency food distribution — and efforts to help residents build longer‑term financial stability. Jen said Project Communidad was selected as a VITA hub site (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), which will allow the group to provide on‑site assessments and referrals to free tax‑preparation services and additional financial resources.

During a follow‑up exchange, a commissioner asked whether Project Communidad would prepare taxes. Jen replied that the organization will not prepare taxes itself; it will perform assessments and refer clients to the Anderson School at the University of New Mexico (accounting students), which will act as the parent site for tax preparation. "What we're going to be doing is the assessments, and we're partnering with the Anderson School at the University of New Mexico," she said. Jen added that the group plans to work with local banks to help residents who lack bank accounts claim refunds, noting that some households do not have bank accounts and tax refunds are no longer issued as paper checks.

Jen also said Project Communidad hired two early‑college interns, named Gloria Valance Venezuela and Ree Bland, and identified Megan Villanueva as the organization's community health worker. The group noted it received a six‑month award for the family financial well‑being program and will use the time to perform a community needs assessment and expand outreach.

Chair Harvey thanked Jen for the report and noted the organization will appear at the Luna Health Council health fair; Jen also said Project Communidad will travel to Columbus on May 1 to provide the family financial well‑being assessment. With no additional public commenters signed up, Chair Harvey adjourned the session until the commission's 2:00 p.m. regular meeting.

All quotations and attributions are taken from public comment delivered to the Luna County Board of County Commissioners.