Felina Martinez, writing at the Valencia County News Bulletin, has a great article highlighting the community-strengthening connections that are made when local food buyers connect with food producers through the New Mexico Grown Approved Supplier Program.
The New Mexico Grown program, established five years ago, revolutionizes school lunches by connecting institutions like Los Lunas Schools with local farmers. Through this initiative, schools are treated to fresh, locally sourced produce, fostering health and community ties.
From Jamie Giron, the LLS Student Nutrition director:
“I think it’s important because it supports the farmers and the local economy,” said Giron. “It develops good community relationships, and I think fresh fruits and vegetables is by far the best thing we can serve the kids. This year, we also got to purchase beef from Red Doc Farm.”
Local farmers, like Ron Moya of Roots Farm, find reliability in the program:
“I needed to build a customer base and my vision was to not have grower market stuff but to sell more wholesale,” he said. “Knowing I have a loyal customer in Los Lunas Schools has been very helpful because if I don’t have customers like them, I’m constantly at growers markets trying to sell my stuff.”
For more insights into the NM Grown program and its transformative impact, visit the full article: NM Grown connects schools with local farm fresh produce
Other NM Grown News:
Grant Funding Alert: New Mexico’s Healthy Food Financing Fund Opens FY27 Grant Opportunity
The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has announced the FY27 Healthy Food Financing Fund (HFFF) grant opportunity, continuing its…
NM Grown Admin
Bid Opportunity: The Food Depot Seeking Food Producers
The Food Depot is requesting sealed proposals from qualified businesses for separate produce and meat solicitations. Products will be distributed…
NM Grown Admin
Bid Opportunity: Albuquerque Public Schools Seeks New Mexico Grown and Produced Food Products
Albuquerque Public Schools Seeks New Mexico Grown and Produced Food Products Bid Title: New Mexico Grown and Produced Food Products…
NM Grown Admin
Peer-to-Peer Info Session: APS Local Food Bid Opportunity on July 21, 2026
Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) is currently seeking bids from New Mexico produce and meat producers to supply locally grown and…
NM Grown Admin
Grant Funding Alert: New Mexico Rural and Tribal Agriculture Micro-Grants
Farm to Table’s New Mexico Farmer Innovation Program is now accepting applications for its Summer 2026 Rural and Tribal Agriculture…
NM Grown Admin
Applications Open for 2026 NM Grown Golden Chile Awards
Applications are now open for New Mexico Grown Approved Supplier Program buyers across the state. We are excited to celebrate…