Kit Carson Electric Cooperative provided $13,000 in holiday donations to food banks, pantries and community organizations across its service territory, as part of a broader commitment that has exceeded $150,000 in community support this year.
The funds are being distributed to organizations that address hunger and food insecurity throughout Northern New Mexico, including ALM Pantry, Youth Heartline, St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank, St. James Episcopal Church, San Juan Nepomuceno Parish Food Bank, San Francisco de Asis Church Food Pantry, the Ojo Sarco Community Center food bank, and grocery voucher programs through Sangre de Cristo Valley Market and Super Save.
The cooperative’s board of trustees approved the donations, citing rising living costs and uncertainty surrounding the future of many food assistance programs. Trustees emphasized the importance of reaching all parts of KCEC’s service territory, including remote rural communities as well as more populated areas.
In addition to financial contributions, KCEC employees participate directly in food distribution efforts. The cooperative partners with Shared Table, a food outreach program serving Taos County and surrounding areas, delivering food boxes to homebound residents, older adults and others unable to travel to food pantries.
“Providing support to all areas of our service territory is a fundamental part of our mission,” said Bobby Ortega, president of the KCEC board. “Our communities rely on these programs, and we remain dedicated to helping them continue their critical work.”
KCEC has supported food assistance efforts in the region for decades, including more than 40 years of involvement with Taos Feeds Taos. The cooperative continues to assist with food box preparation and grocery delivery during periods of increased need.
Beyond holiday giving, KCEC reported contributing more than $150,000 in donations and sponsorships in 2025 to support scholarships, schools, local governments and nonprofit organizations across Taos, Colfax and Rio Arriba counties. Beneficiaries include youth programs, schools, fire departments, churches and community organizations, though that total does not include in-kind services or volunteer hours provided by employees.
“Providing electric, internet and propane services is only part of our responsibility,” said Luis A. Reyes Jr., KCEC’s chief executive officer. “We are committed to supporting the communities we serve, especially during challenging times.”
Founded in 1944, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative serving nearly 30,000 members in northern New Mexico. More information about its community initiatives is available at www.kitcarson.com.
