The Food Security Program is the flagship program in the Las Cruces pantry. It has been providing food to families in Doña Ana County since 1979. Families are eligible to receive one distribution of food per month, averaging 85 pounds. This provides about 71 meals, and, per USDA standards, is valued at about $150.

In the past several years, CdP has made strides to improve the nutritional value of its food box distributions, adding more fresh produce that includes apples, oranges, potatoes, onions, zucchini, tomatoes and other seasonal vegetables when available.

Food baskets also provide protein including cheese, meats and fresh eggs, and essential staples like dried beans, pasta and rice, as well as canned goods and bakery items in every distribution.