Community Call to Arms: East Mountain Food Pantry Plans Storage Overhaul

TIJERAS, N.M. — For years, the East Mountain Food Pantry has served as a vital lifeline for local families facing food insecurity. On Saturday, the organization is asking the community to return the favor.

The pantry is calling for volunteers to participate in a Day of Service on Sept. 19 to tackle a comprehensive cleanout and reorganization of its outdoor storage facilities. The event begins at 10 a.m. at the pantry’s headquarters, located at 1342 NM-333 in Tijeras.

Organizers say the workday is designed to overhaul large outdoor storage sheds and Conex shipping containers. Crews will haul out materials, dispose of trash, conduct a full inventory of stored supplies, and reconfigure the layout to maximize capacity for incoming food donations and critical household goods.

The effort comes as regional demand continues to place high pressure on pantry operations. Reclaiming the storage footprint will streamline day-to-day distribution and ensure the facility can stage larger volumes of non-perishable inventory heading into the fall and winter months.

Organizers noted that volunteers should arrive prepared for physical labor in an outdoor and utility-shed environment. Closed-toe shoes or work boots are required for safety. Participants are also urged to wear durable work clothes and bring a pair of heavy work gloves along with a refillable water bottle.

Community members interested in volunteering for the single-day effort can register online through the pantry’s official sign-up form prior to Saturday morning. Day of Service Sept 19

If You Go

• What: East Mountain Food Pantry Day of Service
• When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, starting at 10 a.m.
• Where: 1342 NM-333, Tijeras, NM 87059
• Tasks: Sorting, cleaning, hauling trash, inventorying, and reorganizing Conex boxes and storage sheds
• Gear Required: Closed-toe shoes or work boots; work clothes, gloves, and water bottles recommended
• Registration: Online via the pantry’s volunteer form