Rep. Gabe Vasquez Leads Groundbreaking for Casa de Peregrinos Facility in Chaparral, Commits to Strengthening Food Security

CHAPARRAL, N.M. – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) joined community leaders for the groundbreaking ceremony of Casa de Peregrinos’ new facility in Chaparral to highlight the importance of addressing food insecurity, particularly in rural areas. 

“I’ve always said that hungry children can’t learn, seniors can’t thrive and families can’t get ahead if they’re worried about their next meal. For nearly 40 years, Casa de Peregrinos has been a lifeline for families in our community, helping put food on the table,” said Vasquez. “Today, we’re taking another big step in that fight against food insecurity, ensuring that more families have access to the support they need here in Chaparral. As your Congressman, I’ve made it a priority to support legislation that strengthens food security and expands access to nutritious meals.”

Vasquez commended Casa de Peregrinos for its ongoing work to address hunger and ensure that vulnerable populations, including schoolchildren, seniors and families in remote areas, have access to nutritious meals. The new facility in Chaparral represents a critical investment in the region’s efforts to combat food insecurity and ensure no family goes hungry.

Vasquez also announced that he helped secure $300,000 in federal funding for Casa de Peregrinos to build a new food pantry in Hatch, which will extend food access to some of New Mexico’s most rural communities. He highlighted the ongoing need for federal programs like SNAP and WIC, noting that nearly one in four households in southern New Mexico relies on SNAP. He vowed to continue fighting for a Farm Bill that supports new farmers, families and healthy food as a member of the House Agriculture Committee.

Vasquez also touted his work on initiatives such as the CSFP Tribal Nutrition Sovereignty Act, which empowers Tribal communities with greater control over their food programs, and the School Meals Expansion Act, which ensures more students receive free meals.

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