El Paso grapples with rising food insecurity as Opportunity Center seeks community support

EL PASO, Texas – (KFOX14/CBS4) — For over 30 years, Deputy Director John Martin and the Opportunity Center have been providing essential services to those in need, but rising food insecurity rates are presenting new challenges.

“The resources that are available simply don’t meet the need,” Martin said. “And so we as a community… just need to be a little creative.”

A recent presentation to the El Paso City Council by the Kelly Center for Hunger Relief revealed that 35% of El Pasoans are food insecure.

Martin emphasized the importance of collaboration with local leaders and organizations to tackle food shortages.

“We have an agreement with the El Paso Independent School District,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the kids don’t eat all of the food… they can give it to a homeless shelter.”

The Opportunity Center relies on individual donations and the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank for supplies, including canned goods like beans, soups, and sauces.

However, Martin noted a significant need for proteins such as chicken, beef, and fish.

“When you have a scarcity of resources because of the political environment… It’s a much more complex situation to be able to move them out of homelessness,” he explained.

Martin highlighted the difficult choices faced by those dealing with food insecurity.

“When you have to make a decision between paying rent, making a car payment, food, and medication, it becomes a very difficult decision,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Martin believes in the community’s generosity.

“We may not be the wealthiest of communities, but I think we’re one of the most generous communities within the nation,” he said.

“People know they need to help when people are in need.”

For more information on how to support the Opportunity Center, visit their website linked here.

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