[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 50 (Thursday, March 21, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING SHERRY HOOPER AND HER SERVICE TO NEW MEXICO

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. TERESA LEGER FERNANDEZ

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 2024

  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sherry 
Hooper, the retiring Executive Director of The Food Depot. Sherry 
understands that food and nutrition are as essential to who we are as 
humans, as they are to who we are as a community.
  Her dedication to building community while feeding the hungry in 
Northern New Mexico for over a quarter-century has nourished so many. 
New Mexicans benefited from the experience, compassion, and energy she 
developed in Kansas and Missouri when she chose our state and The Food 
Depot.
  Under Sherry's leadership and capital campaign, The Food Depot grew 
from a 5,000 square-foot warehouse to the current 27,000 square-foot 
location. In 2023, The Food Depot distributed more than 7.4 million 
meals across Northern New Mexico, valued at $11.3 million. The 
distribution also now includes nine northern New Mexico counties.
  I've personally joined the hundreds of volunteers who bag and 
distribute hundreds of tons of food daily. Volunteers contributed over 
21,976 hours for savings of $685,837 in payroll last year and put into 
practice the concept of love that is inspired by Matthew 25--``For I 
was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink.''
  Importantly, fruits and vegetables made up 62 percent of all food 
provided, making it possible for underserved communities to receive 
nutrient-rich foods. In fact, this year, The Food Depot is celebrating 
30 years of commitment to healthy communities and innovative 
programming.
  Sadly, Sherry's tenure ends in June of this year. She leaves the 
organization with a strong future. Following in her footsteps will be 
Jill Dixon, the current Deputy Director, whom Sherry has mentored since 
2012.
  I am happy that, thanks in part to Sherry's work, Congress recently 
approved my request for $84,150 in Community Project Funding for The 
Food Depot to expand the Casita de Comida in Espanola--one of my 
district's most underserved communities where food insecurity runs 
high. Casita de Comida provides healthy and culturally appropriate food 
as well as personal hygiene products for free. Sherry and her team 
presented a compelling project that my colleagues and I wholeheartedly 
supported.
  I offer Sherry our deepest gratitude for the difference she has made. 
I wish her many interesting new ventures and know she will be a 
positive force in every avenue of her life in the future.

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