In a continued effort to combat food insecurity in New Mexico, Rio Metro Regional Transit District has teamed up with the nonprofit Roadrunner Food Bank for its annual “Stuff the Train” food‑drive events. The initiative, timed with Hunger Action Month, will take place at the Montaño Rail Runner Station in northwest Albuquerque on Wednesday, September 16, and again on Wednesday, September 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
How the program works
Anyone who brings a donation of non‑perishable food items to the station during the two‑hour window will receive a complimentary Rail Runner Day Pass, valid through the end of 2026. The passes are intended to encourage repeat ridership while rewarding community members for their generosity.
Why it matters
Rio Metro Executive Director Robert Gonzales emphasized the prevalence of hunger in the region, noting that “the person sitting next to you on the train could be facing hunger — and this food drive is a great way to take action.” According to recent data from the New Mexico Department of Health, thousands of families in Bernalillo County experience food insecurity year‑round, a situation that intensifies during economic downturns and seasonal employment gaps.
Community impact
Roadrunner Food Bank, the state’s largest hunger‑relief organization, will collect the donated items and distribute them to partner agencies across the Albuquerque metropolitan area. In past years, the “Stuff the Train” drives have gathered enough food to fill dozens of pantry shelves, directly supporting families who might otherwise go without meals.
Getting involved
Residents are encouraged to bring canned goods, boxed meals, dry pasta, rice, and other shelf‑stable items. Volunteers from both Rio Metro and Roadrunner Food Bank will be on hand to receive donations, answer questions, and hand out the free day passes. The initiative also serves as a reminder that public‑transport systems can be a conduit for community service, linking mobility with charitable action.
Looking ahead
Both organizations view the September drives as a stepping stone toward a broader, year‑round partnership that could include additional stations and expanded outreach to schools, churches, and senior centers. By integrating charitable giving into everyday commutes, Rio Metro and Roadrunner Food Bank hope to foster a culture of generosity that extends beyond Hunger Action Month.
For more information about the “Stuff the Train” events, donation guidelines, or how to become a volunteer, visit the Rio Metro website or contact Roadrunner Food Bank directly.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
