FY 2027: New Mexico Grown Grant Program Application for Buyers

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.
  1. NM Aging Services LogoSenior Centers - This Request for Application (RFA) is open to Senior Centers or nutritional sites affiliated with the City of ABQ, Bernalillo County AAA, 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.
  2. New Mexico Public Education Department LogoPED - 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) and School Breakfast Program are eligible for funding. 
  3. Early Childhood Education and Care LogoECECD – 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, Head Start/Early Head Start Programs, Licensed Adult Day Care Facilities, At-Risk Afterschool programs, Emergency Shelters, and Out of School Time programs which self-prepare CACFP meals on site or at their central kitchen.
  • ECECD NM Grown funding is not open to organizations that are currently vending their meals through a vendor or food service management company.
  • Funding is not open to home child care providers at this time. Please stay tuned for future NM Grown opportunities for home providers.
*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 Program Impact (total unduplicated meal count from the previous fiscal year).

*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.
Program Compliance:
  • Allowable Products: vendors and buyers must use the Allowable Products List, which defines the only products allowed in this program.
  • ASP Approved Vendors: institutional buyers should only purchase from vendors listed on the Approved Supplier Program vendor list. 
  • Monthly invoicing (RFR) and meeting invoice requirements: please reference this example invoice.
  • Meat Allowances: buyers may only purchase 40% meat in the program, with the other 60% allocated to produce purchases.
  • Purchasing Requirement: You are not allowed to purchase products from your own school or center garden.
Golden Chile Awards Overview:

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. More information about the Golden Chile Awards will be sent to participants later in the year.

Contact Information