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 need
You can ask"How many people are you feeding? Do you have a car, or do you need a ride?"
You can ask"Do you have a dry place to keep food, and tight containers?"
You can say"Staples bought in big bags cost less per pound and last a long time if you keep them dry."
2Where to buy cheap in Grant County
Walmart Supercenter, 2501 Hwy 180 E, Silver City (also Deming): store-brand beans, rice, flour, sugar and masa harina, often in large bags.
Albertsons, 1956 Hwy 180 E, Silver City. Watch the weekly ad for case-lot sales.
Food Basket, 1220 N Hudson St, Silver City, and 1111 Tom Foy Blvd, Bayard.
The Silver City Food Co-op has bulk bins: beans, flours, oats, rice and grains. Buy a little or a whole bag. Anyone can shop. Ask at the register about using SNAP.
Silver City Food Co-op
Bulk foods, special orders and SNAP groceries
575-388-2343
907 N Pope St, Silver City · Mon-Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 9am-6pm
Dollar stores have small bags. Small bags often cost more per pound.
At the Gospel MissionThe Mission food pantry and monthly food boxes can help fill the shelf. Ask at the front desk.
3A starting list for one month
For 1 adult: about 10 lb dry pinto beans, 10 lb rice, 1 bag masa harina (4 lb), 10 lb flour, 3 lb oats, 4 lb sugar, 1 box salt, 1 bottle oil (48 oz), baking powder, chile powder, garlic powder.
For a family of 4: about 25 lb beans, 25 lb rice, 10 to 20 lb masa harina, 25 lb flour, 10 lb sugar, salt, 1 gallon oil, baking powder, spices.
Add what keeps: canned tomatoes, onions, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, peanut butter.
4Keep it good for months
Store in tight, food-safe containers: buckets with lids, big jars, or heavy bags inside a bin.
Keep it cool, dry and off the floor. Write the date on each bag. Use the oldest first.
See the guide "Wants to store food so it lasts (no bugs, no fridge)".
5Turn staples into meals
See the guide "Wants to cook cheap, filling meals from beans, rice, masa and flour".
See the guide "Wants to make tortillas, bread or biscuits at home".
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 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.Wants to shop for groceries online with SNAP or get food deliveredUse when someone wants to order groceries online with an EBT card for pickup or delivery, or can't get to a store and needs food brought to them.
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.