United We fill the Pantry
Day of Caring 2025
Food drive donation list
Proteins- canned tuna, chicken, or spam, peanut butter or other nut butters
Grains and Staples- rice 1lb or 2lb bags, pasta, cereal (low-sugar, whole-grain if possible) oatmeal, infant formula
Ready-to-eat or Easy-to-prepare meals- canned soups, chili, stew with pull-tab lids if possible, canned beans (black, pinto, refried), macaroni and cheese (boxed or cups), instant noodles (e.g. ramen)
Sauces and shelf stable staples – pasta sauce (canned or jarred, avoid glass if possible), shelf stable milk (dairy or plant-based), canned fruit and veggies
Pantry Staples- cooking oil (vegetable, canola, olive) sugar, salt, spices, crackers, granola bars, snack packs
Join us in albuquerque!
📍 Date: Saturday, October 11
📍 Location: Winrock Park
Day of Caring is United Way of North Central New Mexico’s annual event uniting neighbors, businesses, and partners to address urgent community needs.
This year, the focus is on hunger in New Mexico—where too many children and families lack consistent access to food. Together, we’re rallying to support local food pantries and the families they serve.
Our October 11 event will include:
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Community Food Drive – Collecting non-perishables for local pantries.
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Resource Fair – Information and support from partners across the region.
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ALICE Simulation – A hands-on experience exploring the struggles faced by working families living paycheck to paycheck.
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Community Conversations – UWNCNM President & CEO Rodney Prunty with pantry leaders on tackling food insecurity.
Food insecurity in new mexico
Nearly 20% of children in New Mexico don’t know where their next meal will come from.
Across our state, 1 in 8 residents faces hunger every day.
Local food pantries are on the front lines, serving families who need immediate relief.
Your donations and participation in Day of Caring directly strengthen these pantries, ensuring families don’t have to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table.
Step Into Someone Else’s Shoes
This year, participants will have the opportunity to experience the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) simulation.
ALICE households earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford the basics—housing, food, healthcare, and childcare. The simulation offers a powerful, interactive way to understand the tough decisions families make every day while living paycheck to paycheck.
Watch the video below to learn more about ALICE and why understanding this reality is key to building a stronger, more caring community.
A Look Back at Day of Caring
Over the years, Day of Caring has brought together hundreds of volunteers, families, and community partners to make a lasting difference. From packing food donations to sharing resources and lending a hand, every act of care adds up to real change for our neighbors.