A Saturday morning hike at Pat Hurley Park will give Albuquerque residents a chance to get outside while supporting people facing food insecurity in the community.
The Rio Grande Food Project will hold its 11th annual Hike to End Hunger on Oct. 17. The free event will include a community walk, games, music, food and other activities.
The Hike to End Hunger is the Rio Grande Food Project’s largest fundraiser of the year. The organization operates as a food pantry, community hub and urban garden on Albuquerque’s West Side. Through these programs, it provides food and help with services such as SNAP enrollment, employment resources, financial assistance and nutrition education.
“The Hike to End Hunger is a fundraiser to provide funding for our Rio Grande Food Project’s food security programming,” said Kathi Cunningham, the organization’s development director and garden manager. The food pantry currently provides groceries to 1,300 people every week, Cunningham said.
Food insecurity remains a prominent issue for New Mexican families as changes to SNAP eligibility have affected thousands of residents. A July analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found that about 18,000 New Mexicans, including more than 10,000 children, lost SNAP benefits between July 2025 and April 2026. These findings reflect the growing need for food assistance among New Mexico families.
The organization wants visitors to understand that its work extends beyond distributing groceries, Cunningham said.
“Our mission is to alleviate hunger and cultivate long-term food security in our communities,” Cunningham said. “The pantry helps with the emergency needing of food and then the community hub and urban garden help with that long-term food security.”
The organization says its food pantry serves about 1,300 people of all ages each week. The upcoming Hike to End Hunger is one way the organization draws attention to the need for food while giving community members a chance to participate directly.
Along with the hike, attendees can enjoy lawn games, face painting, music and a raffle. Food vendors will also be at the event, and people are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations. The event will take place rain or shine, with tents available in case of bad weather.
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., with the hike starting at 10 a.m. The event’s other activities will continue until 12:30 p.m. at the lower loop of Pat Hurley Park, 3828 Rincon Road NW. The event is open to families, and people can participate in all of the other activities even if they do not take part in the hike itself.
Donate to the Rio Grande Food Project here.
