Work is set to begin on the renovation of a one-story facility that will house a popular food service program in downtown Las Cruces.
Officials with the Casa de Peregrinos Food Program have long talked about the need for new space to provide food storage, client interview areas, and a demonstration kitchen, among other features.
The structure will additionally include a dock with space enough for three trucks.
The 12,000 square foot building, located at 991 W. Amador Avenue, formerly served as space for the Horse N Hound store. That store moved to a new location in the spring of 2021.
The program’s current office is located at 999 W. Amador Avenue, which Casa de Peregrinos officials say is too small for current needs.
Late last year members of the Las Cruces City Council approved $3.7 million in funding for the renovation program. That vote was on top of an initial $1.3 million in early 2020 to purchase the structure.
According to city documents, Casa de Peregrinos distributes nearly 5 million pounds of food on a yearly basis.
Founded in 1979, it originally provided food primarily for the city’s homeless population, but soon expanded its services to any resident in Las Cruces in need.
By Garry Boulard
