These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Food first, and make sure they are safe
You can ask"Is everyone safe? Do you still have a place to stay tonight?"
If the power is out and someone needs it for oxygen, medicine or heat, see the guide "The power is out and someone needs it for oxygen, medicine or heat".
At the Gospel MissionBreakfast and lunch every weekday, and the food pantry.
The Commons Center for Food Security & Sustainability
Grant County Community Food Pantry
575-388-2988
501 E 13th St (green building at the front), Silver City · Tue, Wed, Thu 11 am-3 pm; also 1st Saturday of the month 10 am-noon
2What to keep and what to throw out
A closed fridge keeps food cold about 4 hours. A full freezer keeps food frozen about 2 days (1 day if half full).
Throw out meat, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, cooked food and leftovers that were above 40 degrees for 2 hours or more.
Frozen food that still has ice crystals, or is still 40 degrees or colder, can be refrozen or cooked.
Throw out any food that touched flood water, except cans that are not dented or swollen. Wash and sanitize those cans before opening.
Throw out food that was near a fire: heat, smoke and firefighting chemicals can make it unsafe, even in cans and jars.
Never taste food to see if it is safe. When in doubt, throw it out.
3Get SNAP food replaced (10-day deadline)
You can say"If you bought the food with SNAP, the state may replace it. You must tell them within 10 days."
They must report the loss to Income Support within 10 calendar days of when the food was lost. They can call or go in.
Then they must sign a statement about the loss. Income Support must get the signed statement within 10 days of the report, or there is no replacement.
The replacement is up to the value of the food lost, but not more than one month of SNAP.
NM Health Care Authority - Income Support Division (Grant County office)
SNAP food benefits
1-800-283-4465
3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A, Silver City · Lobby Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:30 pm, closed 12:00-1:30 pm for lunch. Phone line (1-800-283-4465) Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:30 pm.
Bring
- EBT card or case number
- ID
- the list and photos
- any paper from the fire department, Red Cross or a landlord
At the Gospel MissionOur case worker can help them call and fill out the statement.
4Disaster help beyond SNAP
After a house fire or disaster, the Red Cross may help with food, clothing and a place to stay.
American Red Cross - Arizona and New Mexico Region
Disaster and home fire help; emergency shelter locations
1-800-733-2767
· 24/7
If there is a federal disaster, there may be Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) for people not on SNAP, and FEMA help.
FEMA - DisasterAssistance.gov
Apply for federal disaster assistance
1-800-621-3362
· Helpline 7 AM - 10 PM local time, 7 days
NM Department of Health - WIC
WIC (Women, Infants and Children)
575-388-9353
2610 N. Silver St., Silver City · Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm
More help like this
Hungry today and needs food for the monthUse when someone is hungry now and also needs enough food for the rest of the month.Has special diet needs (diabetes, allergies, no teeth)Use when someone needs food that fits a health need: diabetes, food allergies, kidney or heart problems, soft food for missing teeth, or special baby formula.Someone is asking for money at your doorUse when a stranger knocks at your home or business asking for money, gas, food or a ride, and you want to stay safe, spot scams, and point them to real help.All food pantries in Grant County: places, days, times and what to bringUse when someone wants a list of every food pantry and free food distribution in Grant County, with where and when they are, who qualifies and what to bring.Wants to stock up on beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt and oilUse when someone wants to buy basic staples (beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt, oil) in bulk to save money and have food that lasts for months.Wants more fresh fruit and vegetables with SNAP (Double Up Food Bucks)Use when someone gets SNAP and wants more fresh fruit and vegetables. Double Up Food Bucks gives free extra money for New Mexico-grown produce at farmers markets.
See all guides in Food and basics →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.