"Hunger Hero" in New Mexico

At Bread for the World's 30th anniversary celebration in 2004, Carlos Navarro won a Bread for the World "Hunger Hero" award for his grassroots activism in New Mexico. His local group, based in Albuquerque, is one of the most active BFW groups in the country.

On September 18, 2004, the group – whose members include Navarro, BFW board member Ann Sims, Marjorie Williams, Anne Morawski and others – organized a daylong celebration of Bread for the World's 30th anniversary. Events included presentations on the impact of advocacy and the politics of hunger, an Offering of Letters, a video on hunger in New Mexico and worship.

Father William Byron, who helped found Bread for the World in 1974 and served as chairman of the board for many years, made a keynote address to more than 100 participants. Hunger exists in the world "because God chooses to work with human hands," he said. "Unless people are content to blame the victims, we must look around for what is causing the physical hunger and emotional weariness in the world."

Over the years, the New Mexico group has organized three daylong legislative advocacy conferences, regular ecumenical worship services and monthly meetings featuring speakers from other social justice organizations. "We rotate our meetings around the city to try to involve as many denominations and member home churches as possible. And we try to involve at least one new church every year," said Navarro.

The New Mexico group also produces legislative updates on hunger; helps a dozen local churches and other groups hold Offerings of Letters; maintains their own web site and contributes to opinion pieces in the Albuquerque Tribune.

"Carlos’s style of leadership is truly grassroots," said Bread for the World regional organizer Zelinda Welch. "He pulls together a broad range of interests, ideas, and energy, addressing the challenges of New Mexico through creative thinking, dynamic leadership, and willingness to reach out to everyone." Congratulations and thank you to Carlos Navarro and Bread for the World's New Mexico group for their hard work on behalf of hungry people! 

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