The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has announced the FY26 Healthy Food Financing Fund (HFFF) grant opportunity — a powerful initiative aimed at strengthening our state’s local food systems and ensuring all New Mexicans have access to nutritious, locally produced food.

This funding supports shovel-ready projects that enhance food access, strengthen agricultural supply chains, and promote climate-resilient, regenerative practices. Whether you’re a food retailer, processor, producer, or hub/distributor, this is a prime opportunity to help grow New Mexico’s local food economy.

Click above to download HFFF Flyer

Available Grant Awards

Grants are available in three tiers:

• $150,000
• $100,000
• $50,000

Even if applicants are not selected for one of the primary awards, they have the chance to receive a $20,000 grant plus technical assistance — a great way to move projects closer to full implementation.

About HFFF

The Healthy Food Financing Fund supports projects that combine economic development with food security. By investing in the infrastructure of local food systems — from farm to table — HFFF helps create jobs, strengthen small and mid-scale producers, and ensure more equitable food access in under-resourced New Mexico communities.

Project Priority Areas

1. Expand food access in under-resourced communities
2. Create and retain food/ag supply chain jobs
3. Strengthen local market access for small and mid-scale producers
4. Improve storage, aggregation, and distribution networks
5. Support regenerative agricultural practices

Eligible Costs

Funding can support a wide variety of project needs, including:

• Predevelopment and feasibility studies
• Brick and mortar development
• Capital needs (vehicles, equipment, technology)
• Consumer packaged goods
• Agriculture-only projects (NM Grown)
• Climate-smart pre-production
• Research and development (pre-production only)
• Other one-time project costs

Important Dates

• Application Opens: October 15, 2025, at 9:00 AM MT
• FY26 Grant Program Webinar: October 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM MT
• Application Closes: November 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM MT
• Funds Awarded By: Mid-February 2026
• Funds to Be Used By: December 2026

For more details, visit the New Mexico Economic Development Department website, or contact Jayme Chester, Food, Hunger and Ag Program Food Value Chain Coordination Representative, at 505-695-8440 or [email protected].