Sandians rally in spirit of service to raise over $8,000

Last month, staff from across the Labs united to support of Sandia’s mission to give back by volunteering at Roadrunner Food Bank for the second annual Super WIN Food Drive. From June 9-27, 71 Sandia volunteers, along with family and friends, assisted with food distribution and outreach. In addition to their efforts, the Labs raised $8,745 to combat food insecurity in New Mexico. To amplify this impact, the Community Involvement team contributed $7,500 to match funds raised by the workforce.

“I love this initiative because it aligns with our Sandia Culture and demonstrates the lab’s commitment to the pillars of We Belong and We Care,” Ryan Baltunis, Super WIN Food Drive event co-chair, wrote. “It also showcases the incredible generosity of Sandians, which is one of the reasons I take pride in working here.”

Originally conceived as a one-time event in collaboration with the 75th anniversary team, the food drive achieved such success that it inspired the Super WIN and Community Involvement teams to establish it as an evergreen initiative. According to data from Feeding America, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that in 2023, “1 in 4 New Mexico children (23.3%) lived in households without consistent access to adequate food.” Statistics like these served as calls to action for the Super WIN team, motivating them to make last year’s event possible and driving this year’s initiative to continue supporting the community.

“I am thrilled to contribute to raising awareness for this vital initiative that ensures food security for children in New Mexico. It’s inspiring to see how the Workplace Improvement Networks unite, showcasing the power of collaboration in support of our community and Sandia,” Jennifer Perea, Super WIN Food Drive event co-chair, wrote. “Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.”

Due to the successful turnout and community engagement from last year’s event, the Super WIN Food Drive team was nominated and won an ERA for their outstanding work. This recognition showcases their dedication and highlights the teamwork between 75th Anniversary, Community Involvement and Food Drive teams. Super WIN teams across all divisions are consistently working to create events that benefit both Sandia and the broader New Mexico communities, ensuring that their impact is felt year-round.