The “Regional Farm to Food Bank” project will strengthen economic opportunities – and income security for small to mid‐sized socially disadvantaged producers through the continued support of partnerships with New Mexico’s hunger relief network. Priority is placed on ensuring long‐term sustainability of project outcomes, with a special focus on value-chain capacity building, values-based procurement and distribution partner support; ultimately, securing state investment for the longevity of the project.
To ensure that identified producers are engaged in procurements and that food quality assurance continues to be a central component of the program, the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association will continue to draw from its extensive network of specialty crop producers, continue expansion of its Approved Supplier Program that serves institutional markets and prioritize outreach with regional food hubs that focus on small to mid‐sized socially disadvantaged producers specifically including efforts through the new Community Cultivator program to help integrate farmers in hard-to-reach areas. The Regional Farm to Food Bank program focuses on purchasing from agricultural industries – specialty crops, meat, dairy, eggs, and minimally processed as well as culturally appropriate value-added foods. Specifically, this project will continue to target industries that are historically underrepresented in the state’s food assistance programs, with emphasis on desirable, high-protein food options like meat, dairy, and eggs. The New Mexico Association of Food Banks will continue to manage the procurement and distribution of New Mexico and regionally produced, culturally appropriate foods through its existing distribution network.