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.
1Find out what they have or need
You can ask"Do you have extra garden food, fruit trees or eggs? Or are you looking for free fruit to pick?"
You can say"Sharing extra food is a big help. A lot of fruit in Grant County falls and goes to waste."
2Give extra produce to a 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
Bring
- Clean, fresh produce. No rotten or moldy food.
3Glean fruit that would go to waste
Gleaning means picking food left after a harvest, or from trees the owner can't use up.
Many yards in Silver City, Bayard and the Mimbres Valley have apple, apricot, peach and pear trees.
You can say"Always ask the owner first. Offer to share the fruit or clean up what has fallen."
Silver City Farmers Market
SNAP Double Up Food Bucks
1120 N Main St (between 11th and 12th, next to Gough Park), Silver City · Every Saturday 9 am-noon (2026 schedule)
4Swap and trade
Trade eggs, squash, chile or fruit with neighbors, friends and church members.
National Center for Frontier Communities (NCFC)
Southwest New Mexico Seed Library (free garden seeds)
575-519-4846
501 E 13th St. (The Commons), Silver City · At The Commons: Mon-Thu 10am-2pm
5Keep extra food from spoiling
See the guide "Wants to can, dry or freeze food to keep it longer".
The Commons Center for Food Security & Sustainability
Community cooking and food preservation classes
575-388-2988
501 E 13th St, Silver City · Varies - see The Commons calendar
6Help others get fresh food
The Commons Center for Food Security & Sustainability
Volunteer: food pantry helpers (Choose Your Own and Saturday pantry)
575-388-2988
501 E. 13th St., Silver City · Choose Your Own pantry Tue-Thu 11am-3pm; 1st Saturday 10am-12pm. Office Mon-Thu 10am-4pm.
At the Gospel MissionIf they need food themselves, the food pantry and soup kitchen are open on weekdays.
See the guide "Hungry today and needs food for the month".
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
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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.