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(New Mexico News Connection) The new year is an opportunity to reset and presents an opportunity to give back to your community by hosting a food or fund drive.

New Mexico's Roadrunner Food Bank and others across the country are being squeezed by high levels of need and fewer food donations. In 2022, the U.S. saw the largest increase in food insecurity in more than a decade.

Sonya Warwick, director of communications and events for Roadrunner Food Bank in Albuquerque, said one way to help is by hosting a food drive with co-workers, friends or neighbors.

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"You simply need to set some dates in your organization, with your faith community, with your business, whatever group of people you want to gather together to try to raise additional food for the food bank," Warwick explained. "We'd love that."

Roadrunner has flyers available on its website to use for a project to remind people what items are most in demand by the food bank. She pointed out some groups set goals as to how much food or money will be collected and even incentivize the drive by offering a bonus such as a premiere parking spot or extra cafeteria privileges.

Giving USA has reported the total amount of charitable giving fell by 3.4 percent last year, a more than 10% decrease when adjusted for inflation.

Warwick emphasized there is a high level of need across New Mexico and recommended finding a way to contribute that makes sense to you.

"Some people like that physical, tangible item of food to contribute," Warwick outlined. "Some people say, 'Time is important to me and I don't have that kind of time and I want to help in the most efficient way possible,' and that might be making a financial contribution."