Food Sovereignty
For A Society Free Of Sexual Violence
Pantry Guidelines & Access
Casa Fortaleza’s in-house pantry is client-centered and designed to reduce barriers to basic needs.
Daily pantry access is available to Casa Fortaleza clients (ONLY) during regular office hours Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Clients may access the pantry even if they do not have a scheduled appointment
- To access the pantry, clients simply check in with the Office Coordinator at the front desk
- Clients are welcome to take what they need, based on availability
At the end of each month, we open the pantry to the broader community through a scheduled food distribution day:
- Community distributions are first-come, first-served
- Set-ups are typically located in the main lobby at the front of the building
- Dates are shared through social media and text outreach
No documentation, proof, or requirements are needed to access food through our pantry.
Why Food Matters at Casa Fortaleza
At Casa Fortaleza, food is not just nourishment, it is care, connection, and a foundation for safety and healing.
Food plays a central role in our healing-centered and survivor-led work. Whether shared during workshops, support spaces, or accessed through our pantry, food helps build trust, reduce harm, and reconnect people to identity, memory, and dignity. We believe that access to culturally familiar food is a critical part of safety, wellness, and community care.
Food as Healing, Safety and Cultural Continuity
Food is deeply tied to how we care for one another.
Through our pantry and programming, we intentionally advocate for culturally familiar staples, such as flour, beans, rice, and other commonly used ingredients, so families can prepare foods they already know, trust, and use to nourish one another. This approach supports food security and cultural continuity, recognizing that healing and well-being are rooted in everyday practices, not just moments of crisis.
Access to food is also a protective factor. When people’s basic needs are met with dignity and cultural respect, it strengthens autonomy, reduces harm, and supports long-term well-being.
Our Partnership
Our food access work is grounded in an intentional partnership with Roadrunner® Food Bank of New Mexico. This collaboration supports long-term efforts to address food insecurity by ensuring reliable access to food while advancing culturally responsive practices that honor the lived realities of the communities we serve.
Services brochure
Our Vision
Casa Fortaleza is dedicated to providing comprehensive support services for individuals and families affected by sexual violence. Our
approach focuses on understanding their experiences, recognizing their needs, and offering respectful, empowering care that upholds their self-determination during their time of need.
Mission
The mission of Casa Fortaleza is to work toward the eradication of all forms of sexual violence through education and outreach while providing counseling, support, and empowerment to survivors in Central New Mexico.