The Interfaith Hunger Coalition collaborates on addressing hunger issues in our communities through networking, education, public policy advocacy and direct service. Our goal is ensure that all New Mexican families have access to healthy and nutritious food.

Steering Committee

Ellen Buelow, Consultant, Fort Collins, Colorado

Joy Dinaro, St. Edwin's Catholic Church

Carlos Navarro, Bread for the World-New Mexico and St. John XXIII Catholic Community

Sarah Rahman-Muhammad, Islamic Center of New Mexico 

Rachel White Sternheim, Congregation Albert
     
Pam Brown, Albuquerque Baha'i Community

Jason Riggs, Roadrunner Food Bank

Jane Braithwaite, LDS (Latter Day Saints)

Brenda Sinfield, consultant, Calabash, North Carolina

Aamna Nayyar, Islamic Center of New Mexico Sisters' Food Project

Judy Messal, All Saints Lutheran Church

Advocacy Committee

Promotes an anti-hunger and anti-poverty agenda to protect the most vulnerable citizens in Albuquerque and in the state.  With the help of our endorsing partners, the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-New Mexico and New Mexico Voices for Children, the committee promotes legislation in Santa Fe that will help reduce hunger and address many causes of poverty in our state.The committee finds opportunities to contact legislators and legislative candidates directly to discuss hunger- and poverty related issues. The committee also works with the Education Committee to ensure that the advocacy component is part of the agenda of Hunger 101 workshops.

Ellen Buelow, Chair, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church

Judy Messal, All Saints Lutheran Church

Kurt Rager, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry

Education Committee

Works with congregations and with the IHC Advocacy Committee to organize Hunger 101 programs for members to learn more about hunger in New Mexico and elsewhere. The committee also makes special presentations to congregations that want to learn more about hunger in New Mexico and about the coalition. Committee members also participate and make presentations at public anti-hunger events such as the state-sponsored End Hunger Summit and World Food Day. We also educate ourselves and others about direct service and advocacy opportunities available within local faith communities and community organizations.

Joy Dinaro Chair, St. Edwin's Catholic Church

Kathryn Arndt, Community of Hope

Jeanne Elmhorst, Albuquerque Mennonite Church 

Kathy Freeze, Catholic Charities

Carlos Navarro, Bread for the World-New Mexico

Etti Behar, Chavurat Hamidbar (Fellowship of the Desert)

Melanie Lewis, Community School Coordinator, Downtown Community School Collaborative (Lew Wallace, Longfellow & Eugene Field Elementary Community Schools)

Jane Braithwaite, LDS (Latter Day Saints)

Andy Braman. Community School Coordinator, Downtown Community School Collaborative (Lew Wallace, Longfellow & Eugene Field Elementary Community Schools)