The City of Sunland Park has been awarded $719,338 from the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration’s Capital Development Program Fund (CDPF) to complete construction of the Casa de Peregrinos Regional Food Pantry, a major investment in local food access and community resilience.

Located at 3465 McNutt Road, the new regional food pantry is being developed in partnership with Casa de Peregrinos, the region’s leading emergency food provider. Once complete, the fully ADA-compliant facility will serve as a central hub for food distribution, offering both indoor and drive-through service to make assistance more accessible for families in need.

This grant brings us closer to delivering something our community truly needs,” said City Manager Mario Juarez-Infante. “When Sunland Park comes together, we make things happen. With current uncertainty around SNAP benefits, this project couldn’t be timelier.”

The new grant closes the final funding gap, joining $3.75 million previously secured through state and local capital outlay funds. Construction will begin within 30 to 45 days, with completion anticipated in the fall of 2026. Once operational, Casa de Peregrinos will manage daily activities under a long-term lease agreement with the city.

We have made a commitment to this community to build this pantry for them. This will help us take care of families in the region that are experiencing food insecurity for a long time.,” said Lorenzo Alba Jr. “This partnership and the continued support of the City of Sunland Park mean we can be there when they need us most, and that’s something to be proud of. We are grateful for the confidence they have in us and our mission.”

Once complete, the facility will expand access to emergency food assistance for residents across Sunland Park and southern Doña Ana County.