Local Governments Collect More than 21,000 Pounds of Food for ECHO Food Bank

AZTEC, NM—A friendly food drive competition between local governmental organizations has collected 21,362 pounds of food for the ECHO Food Bank, to be distributed to families in need in San Juan County. 

The City of Aztec, City of Bloomfield, City of Farmington, and San Juan County all competed in the annual ECHO Food Drive Challenge. To keep the competition fair, the amount of food collected is converted into a per-employee weight. Aztec was presented with the Mr. Potato Head Trophy. Aztec employees collected 38.87 pounds of food per person.

The Food Drive Challenge brings in more food than any other food drive for ECHO Food Bank. Over the last 16 years, there have been more than 135 tons (272,675.74 pounds) of food collected by local government employees. 

ECHO Food Bank is always accepting donations, especially items for holiday food boxes. In general, ECHO needs soups, stews, ravioli, SpaghettiOs, items that are complete meals/main dishes, and canned meats, and in this season, holiday meal items. Donations may be dropped off at 401 S. Commercial Ave. in Farmington. More information about needed items is online at EchoInc.org. 

City of Aztec- 4,120 pounds collected- 38.87 pounds per employee with 106 employees.

City of Bloomfield- 1,361 pounds collected- 15.83 pounds per employee with 86 employees.

City of Farmington- 1,146 pounds collected- 1.48 pounds per employee with 772 employees.

San Juan County- 14,735 pounds collected- 23.58 pounds per employee with 625 employees.

Overall, 2025 total- 21,362 pounds collected- 13.44 pounds per employee with 1,589 combined employees.


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