[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 14, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING MARTINEZTOWN FOOD PANTRY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 14, 2018

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to recognize the founders of an outstanding organization in 
Albuquerque, New Mexico. Celebrating the 10-year anniversary since its 
inception, the Martineztown Food Pantry has provided meals for 
thousands of families in New Mexico since 2008.
  The idea for a neighborhood food pantry was sparked when a young 
neighbor of Brad Brown and Michael Griego knocked on the door of their 
home asking if they were interested in buying a pair of his shoes so 
that he would have money to purchase food for his young wife and child. 
Brown and Griego felt compelled to address the larger issue at hand and 
do something to help end hunger in Albuquerque.
  The pair started by giving up their gym memberships and donating that 
money to the Roadrunner Food Bank. Eventually they would establish 
their own mobile food program known as the Martineztown Food Pantry. 
Since its creation, this program has brought together a dedicated group 
of volunteers in the community to pursue a noble cause. They've helped 
feed 32,000 families for over a decade, totaling 1,612,000 pounds of 
food.
  Dedicated to ending hunger and preserving the dignity of citizens of 
New Mexico, Brown and Griego truly embody the values of 
humanitarianism. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Brad Brown and 
Michael Griego and everyone who volunteers at the Martineztown Food 
Pantry for their selfless dedication to improving the community, and 
congratulate them on all they have achieved over the last 10 years.

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