Santa Fe County approves lease for Food Depot parking to combat food insecurity

The Santa Fe County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on February 25, 2025, where they discussed significant initiatives aimed at addressing food insecurity and affordable housing in the community.

One of the key topics was the approval of a lease agreement with the Food Depot, a local organization dedicated to combating hunger. The county will provide a half-acre parking lot at 4250 Airport Road to accommodate the Food Depot's fleet of vehicles, which are currently overburdened at their existing facility. This partnership aims to enhance food distribution efforts for those experiencing food insecurity. The motion to approve the lease was unanimously supported, with Commissioner Green abstaining due to a conflict of interest.

In addition to the lease agreement, the commissioners reviewed a resolution to apply for a low-interest loan from the New Mexico Finance Authority. This funding, which could reach up to $4 million, is intended to support the construction of affordable housing projects in collaboration with TWG. The proposed developments will include 59 units, primarily for seniors and families. The resolution was also approved, highlighting the county's commitment to leveraging state resources for community development.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's proactive approach to addressing pressing social issues, with both initiatives reflecting a collaborative effort to improve the quality of life for residents in Santa Fe County.