FY 2026: New Mexico Grown Program Application for Buyers

INTRODUCTION

The New Mexico Grown program supports public institutions to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables, minimally processed agricultural products, and meat for use in meal and snack programs. Through state investment, the program provides awards to these institutions so that they can source this food within their budget and local food producers are fairly compensated. New Mexico Grown strengthens purchasing relationships with food producers, creating sustainable market opportunities and healthy communities.

Purpose:

The purpose of the New Mexico Grown Program is to encourage providers within the Public Education Department (PED), Aging and Long Term Services Department (ALTSD) and the Early Childhood Education & Care Department (ECECD) to purchase local food items that are grown, raised, and harvested in the state for their meal programs.

This initiative seeks to strengthen relationships between agencies and local farmers and ranchers, ensuring that freshly harvested local food becomes a regular staple for the residents of New Mexico.

Eligibility:

Eligible entities are required to submit an application each fiscal year.

Senior Centers - This Request for Application (RFA) is open to Senior Centers or nutritional sites affiliated with the New Mexico Metro and Non-Metro Area Agency on Aging (AAA) that provide meals in accordance with the requirements outlined in the Older Americans Act to eligible older adults.
PED - This Request for Applications (RFA) is open to all New Mexico public schools, private schools, and school districts through applications made by a School Food Authority (SFA). All schools that operate the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Seamless Summer and School Breakfast Program are eligible for funding.
ECECD – This Request for Applications (RFA) is open to organizations participating in, and in good standing with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP*). Including the following organizations.

Child Care Centers, PreK Programs, and all Head Start/Early Head Start Programs which self-prepare CACFP meals on site.
Licensed Adult Day Care facilities, At-Risk Afterschool programs, Emergency Shelters, & Out of School Time programs

*Must be in good standing with CACFP, with no serious deficiencies nor unresolved corrective actions.

FUNDING:

Funding for the New Mexico Grown Program is supported by the Office of the Governor's Food Initiative and made available annually through state appropriations. Funding amounts may vary by fiscal year and will be reflected in award amounts.

Award Criteria:

Awards will be determined based on the following criteria:

Program Impact- Total unduplicated meal count from the previous fiscal year.
Fiscal Management- Historical spending performance (should be 100% of award) and timely submittable of reimbursement documents to the administering agency.
Expenditure Patterns- Adherence to ratio of meat/produce expenditures, use allowable products, and purchasing from multiple Approved Suppliers.
Population Need- Communities facing challenges accessing fresh foods and 100% Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools.

*Minimum awards may vary by administering agency.

Allowable Use of Funding:

All purchases must be made from vendors listed on the current NM Grown Approved Suppliers List.

The Approved Supplier Program helps ensure that fresh produce that moves through schools, early child care facilities, and senior centers is safe, traceable, and comes from a garden or farm using sound and current food safety practices. For more information please reach out to asp@farmersmarketsnm.org.

Grants must be used for the purchase of local Produce+ (vegetables, herbs, fruits, nuts, grains, legumes) and Meat (beef, bison, lamb/mutton, pork) products grown within the state of New Mexico.

In order to achieve the goals of enhancing the nutritional value of meals, promoting scratch cooking, and increasing fresh food access, grantees may not spend more than 40% of total grant amount on meat products.

For more information on Allowable Products please reach out to your agency contact.

Applicant Information

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Phone Number

Program Information

Administering Agency- Nutrition Program Type

Program Name (School Food Authority, Senior Center, Provider, etc.)

Main Phone Number

Including area code

Street Address

City/Town

County

Total number of sites served by your program

Total number of unduplicated students/seniors served by your program?

Does your program serve Tribal community members? If yes please indicate all below.

Additional Program Opportunities

The Golden Chile Award is a form of recognition that celebrates the efforts undertaken by Public Schools, Senior Centers and Early Child-Care Centers utilizing the New Mexico Grown program to promote nutrition and support New Mexico's farming economy. Has any staff member submitted an application for the Golden Chili Award in FY24?

The New Mexico Grown Coalition is a network of public institutions, community-based organizations, and individuals working together to strengthen community food systems (production, access and education) across the state. We meet once per month via zoom and hold events throughout the year to support NM Grown grantees. Are you interested in becoming a member?

GoodFoodNM is a health communications text messaging program from the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association. Weekly text messages will provide you with information about seasonal local food, NM Grown training opportunities, and related information from your state agency.
Are you interested in signing up for Good Food NM?

Please provide a cell phone number to receive GoodFoodNM communications. *Message and data rates may apply.

Including area code

PED Application Questions

This Request for Applications (RFA) is open to all New Mexico public schools, private schools, and school districts through applications made by a School Food Authority (SFA). All schools that operate the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Seamless Summer and School Breakfast Program are eligible for funding.

Key Dates

July 1, 2025: Funds available to spend for FY 2026 (SY25-26)
May 31, 2026: Deadline to expend all funds, all invoices must be dated prior.
June 30, 2026: Deadline to enter RfR’s into OBMS

Purchasing Contact Information

* This individual will be included on the NM Grown Buyer List and should be available for regular communication with producers and PED program coordinators.

SFA Purchasing Contact* (First and Last Name)

Person(s) responsible for placing/receiving orders.

Purchasing Contact Email

Purchasing Contact Phone

Preferred Method of Contact

I understand that I am required have an SFA representative participate in the NM Grown Annual Buyer-Producer Meeting. I will also prioritize attending Roundtable meetings and Regional Buyer-Producer meetings as staff capacity permits.
Please type full name below.

Fiscal Management

SFA Finance Contact (First and Last Name)

Person responsible for submission of RfR's

Did your SFA receive a NM Grown Grant last year? Were you able to spend 100% of your award amount? If no, please explain.

Please explain any requirements to have for adding local producers as a vendor in your system. What documents/forms will they need to submit? What are your payment terms?

Does your program require a formal bid process for purchasing food products from local producers?

If yes, please upload a copy of your more recent RFP/RFR.

If no, what is your small purchase threshold/Purchase Order amount?

Timely processing of Request for Reimbursements (RfRs) is essential to the efficiency of the program. Please explain your process for processing RfRs and how you will ensure they are submitted via OBMS monthly on a regular basis?

I understand that I am required to submit RfRs into OBMS before the 15th of each month. I also understand that I must submit copies of all invoices in alignment with FY25 invoice requirements for approval.
Please type full name below.

Purchase Planning

What local products do you plan to purchase with this grant? Please list all products of interest, and specify which months you are likely to purchase each item.

New Mexico Grown encourages purchases from multiple vendors and producers. Are there specific producers that you would like to purchase from this upcoming year? If they are not already Approved Suppliers please add their contact information.

I understand that all products purchased with this grant must be from Approved Suppliers and grown within the state of New Mexico. I also understand that only Allowable Products are eligible for reimbursement and I may not use more than 40% of my total grant amount to purchase meat products.
Please type full name below.

Nuevo Thursday

Nuevo Thursday is a free program that supports programs by promoting new attitudes and behaviors for healthy eating. The goal is to have program participants simply try something new on a Thursday. For example, adding a new fruit or vegetable or providing a meal that consists of 100% NM Grown ingredients.

Are your schools currently participating in “Nuevo Thursday” cafeteria promotions and/or events?

If no, would you like promotional materials and information/training on "Nuevo Thursdays" ?

Gardens

Do any of your schools have gardens on site?

Would your school be interested in receiving funding to establish a garden and/or portable salad bar equipment?

Has any staff member applied for funding through PED to acquire funding for a garden?

I understand that I may not purchase produce from my garden to submit for reimbursement from this grant.
Please type full name below.

Golden Chile Awards

I understand that I am required to submit an application for the NM Grown Golden Chile awards each spring. The information gathered supports compliance with Healthy Universal School Meals and provides an opportunity to celebrate your success with the NM Grown program!
Please type below.

I attest that all information I have provided is true and complete. I understand that if I fail to comply with the requirements of the New Mexico Grown program I may not be eligible for funding in future years.

Please type full name and date below.

ALTSD Application Questions

This Request for Application (RFA) is open to Senior Centers or nutritional sites affiliated with the New Mexico Metro and Non-Metro Area Agency on Aging (AAA) that provide meals in accordance with the requirements outlined in the Older Americans Act to eligible older adults, and Tribes, Pueblos, and Nations contracted through ALTSD Office of Indian Affairs.

Key Dates

July 1, 2025: Funds available to spend for FY26
May 31, 2026: Deadline to expend all funds, all invoices must be dated prior.
June 30, 2026: Deadline to submit invoices and Data Sheets.

Purchasing Contact Information

* This individual will be included on the NM Grown Buyer List and should be available for communication with producers.

Senior Center/Nutrition Site Purchasing Contact* (First and Last Name)

Person(s) responsible for placing/receiving orders.

Purchasing Contact Email

Purchasing Contact Phone

Preferred Method of Contact

I understand that I am required to have a Senior Center/Nutrition Site representative participate in the NM Grown Annual Buyer-Producer Meeting. I will also prioritize attending Roundtable meetings and Regional Buyer-Producer meetings as staff capacity permits.
Please type full name below.

Fiscal Management

Senior Center/Nutrition Site Finance Contact (First and Last Name)

Person responsible for submission of RfR's

Did your center receive a NM Grown Grant last year? Were you able to spend 100% of your award amount? If no, please explain.

Please explain any requirements to have for adding local producers as a vendor in your system. What documents/forms will they need to submit? What are your payment terms?

Does your program require a formal bid process for purchasing food products from local producers?

If yes, please upload a copy of your more recent RFP/RFR.

If no, what is your minimal purchase order amount?

Timely processing of Invoicing and submission of data sheet are essential to the efficiency of the program. Please explain your process for processing purchases and how you will ensure they are submitted on a regular basis?

I understand that I am required to submit Invoicing/data sheet before the 10th of each month. I also understand that I must submit copies of all invoices in alignment with FY26 invoice requirements for approval.
Please type full name below.

Purchase Planning

What local products do you plan to purchase with this grant? Please list all products of interest, and specify which months you are likely to purchase each item.

New Mexico Grown encourages purchases from multiple vendors and producers. Are there specific producers that you would like to purchase from this upcoming year? If they are not already Approved Suppliers please add their contact information.

I understand that all products purchased with this grant must be from Approved Suppliers and grown within the state of New Mexico. I also understand that only Allowable Products are eligible for reimbursement and I may not use more than 40% of my total grant amount to purchase meat products.
Please type full name below.

Nuevo Thursday

Nuevo Thursday is a free program that supports programs by promoting new attitudes and behaviors for healthy eating. The goal is to have program participants simply try something new on a Thursday. For example, adding a new fruit or vegetable or providing a meal that consists of 100% NM Grown ingredients.

Is your nutritional site(s) currently participating in “Nuevo Thursday” cafeteria promotions and/or events?

If no, would you like promotional materials and information/training on "Nuevo Thursdays" ?

Gardens

Do any of your centers have gardens on site?

Would your program be interested in receiving funding to establish a garden and/or portable salad bar equipment?

Has any staff member applied for the Specialty Crop Block Grant funding through NMDA in order to acquire funding for a garden?

I understand that I may not purchase produce from my garden to submit for reimbursement from this grant.
Please type full name below.

I attest that all information I have provided is true and complete. I understand that if I fail to comply with the requirements of the New Mexico Grown program I may not be eligible for funding in future years.

Please type full name and date below.

ECECD Application Questions

This Request for Applications (RFA) is open to organizations participating in, and in good standing with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP*). Including the following organizations:

Child Care Centers, PreK Programs, and all Head Start/Early Head Start Programs which self-prepare CACFP meals on site.
Licensed Adult Day Care facilities, At-Risk Afterschool programs, Emergency Shelters, and Out of School Time programs.

*Must be in good standing with CACFP, with no serious deficiencies nor unresolved correct actions.

Key Dates

April 1, 2025: Begin accepting applications (on-going basis)
May 1, 2025: Awardees announced (rolling basis)
July 1, 2025: Funds available to spend for FY 2026
15th day of Each Month: Submit invoices, receipts, and purchase logs to ECECD (or, "send as you spend")
May 31, 2026: Deadline to expend all funds, all invoices must be dated prior.

NOTICE: All FY 2026 funds must be spent between July 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026 only. Unspent funds will be forfeited.

Purchasing Contact Information

* This individual will be included on the NM Grown Buyer List and should be available for communication with producers.

Provider Purchasing Contact* (First and Last Name)

Person(s) responsible for placing/receiving orders.

Purchasing Contact Email

Purchasing Contact Phone

Preferred Method of Contact

I understand that I am required have a staff member from my organization or representative participate in the NM Grown Annual Buyer-Producer Meeting. I will also prioritize attending Roundtable meetings and Regional Buyer-Producer meetings as staff capacity permits.
Please type full name below.

Fiscal Management

Provider Finance Contact (First and Last Name)

Person responsible for submission of Requests for Reimbursement

Did your center receive a NM Grown Grant last year? Were you able to spend 100% of your award amount? If no, please explain.

Please explain any requirements you have for adding local producers as a vendor in your system. What documents/forms will they need to submit? What are your payment terms?

Does your program require a formal bid process for purchasing food products from local producers?

If yes, please upload a copy of your most recent Request for Proposal (RFP)/Request for Application (RFA).

If no, what is your small purchase threshold/Purchase Order amount?

Timely processing of Invoicing is essential to the efficiency of the program. Please explain your process for processing purchases and how you will ensure they are submitted on a regular basis?

I understand that I am required to submit Invoicing/Tracker before the 15th of each month. I also understand that I must submit copies of all invoices in alignment with FY26 invoice requirements for approval.
Please type full name below.

Purchase Planning

What local products do you plan to purchase with this grant? Please list all products of interest, and specify which months you are likely to purchase each item.

New Mexico Grown encourages purchases from multiple vendors and producers. Are there specific producers that you would like to purchase from this upcoming year? If they are not already Approved Suppliers please add their contact information.

I understand that all products purchased with this grant must be from Approved Suppliers and grown within the state of New Mexico. I also understand that only Allowable Products are eligible for reimbursement and I may not use more than 40% of my total grant amount to purchase meat products.
Please type full name below.

Nuevo Thursday

Nuevo Thursday is a free program that supports programs by promoting new attitudes and behaviors for healthy eating. The goal is to have program participants simply try something new on a Thursday. For example, adding a new fruit or vegetable or providing a meal that consists of 100% NM Grown ingredients.

Is your nutritional site(s) currently participating in “Nuevo Thursday” cafeteria promotions and/or events?

If no, would you like promotional materials and information/training on "Nuevo Thursdays" ?

Gardens

Do any of your centers have gardens on site?

Would your program be interested in receiving funding to establish a garden and/or portable salad bar equipment?

Has any staff member applied for the Specialty Crop Block Grant funding through the New Mexico Department of Agriculture in order to acquire funding for a garden?

I understand that I may not purchase produce from my own garden by submitting a request for reimbursement from this grant.
Please type full name below.

I attest that all information I have provided is true and complete. I understand that if I fail to comply with the requirements of the New Mexico Grown program I may not be eligible for funding in future years.

Please type full name and date below.