New Mexico Grown Coalition

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 envision a future where all of New Mexico’s families thrive because local food, farming, and education programs are embedded in community culture.

We believe that local food, farming, and education programs can be a catalyst for creating equitable change to support the wellness of New Mexico’s youth and communities now and for future generations.

The New Mexico Grown Coalition has a written charter to acknowledge an understanding of and commitment to our mission, vision, values, goals, roles and responsibilities, communication, and decision-making processes.

The New Mexico Grown Coalition is open to all partners who want to increase access to locally grown and produced foods.

New Mexico
Grown Coalition

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 envision a future where all of New Mexico’s families thrive because local food, farming, and education programs are embedded in community culture.

We believe that local food, farming, and education programs can be a catalyst for creating equitable change to support the wellness of New Mexico’s youth and communities now and for future generations.

The New Mexico Grown Coalition has a written charter to acknowledge an understanding of and commitment to our mission, vision, values, goals, roles and responsibilities, communication, and decision-making processes.

The New Mexico Grown Coalition is open to all partners who want to increase access to locally grown and produced foods.

NM Grown Coalition Partners

Nuevo Thursdays

Nuevo Thursdays is a marketing and promotion program for early care and education programs, K-12 schools, and senior centers. It focuses on highlighting and promoting healthy, freshly prepared meals made from foods grown in New Mexico. As the name suggests, Nuevo Thursdays supports nutrition providers to try a new menu item on Thursdays! This could be as simple as trying a new fruit or vegetable or as complex as having a 100% New Mexico-grown meal. While New Mexico-sourced ingredients or food items are preferred, Nuevo Thursdays can be used to highlight and promote any new item on the menu. Click here to learn more about Nuevo Thursdays!

Ready to start highlighting the innovations in your meal program with the Nuevo Thursdays program? Download the Nuevo Thursdays Program and Planning Toolkit. You can also download Nuevo Thursdays recipes and learn new recipes on the Healthy Kids Healthy Communities youtube channel for inspiration!

Decorative image of a hummingbird gathering nectar from a flower.

Awards and Events

Golden Chile Awards

The New Mexico Grown Golden Chile Awards program recognizes and celebrates the innovative and dedicated NM Grown programming at preschools, K-12 schools, and senior centers and recognizes and celebrates farmers, producers, and ranchers on the NM Grown Approved Supplier List across the state.

Anyone can apply for a Golden Chile Award, and early childhood programs, K-12 schools, and senior centers DO NOT have to be recipients of NM Grown grant funding to apply! Farmers and food producers participating in the NM Grown program are also encouraged to apply.

Applications are now open for 2024 awards, and they are due by Sunday, June 30, 2024 (extended).

Learn more about the Golden Chile Awards program and how you can participate!

NM Grown Month

Throughout the month of September, early childhood programs, k-12 schools, and senior centers celebrate participation in the New Mexico Grown program by highlighting local farmers and produce in classrooms and cafeterias across the state. Whether it’s harvesting and serving produce directly from the garden, offering fruit & vegetable lessons and tastings, serving locally grown produce in meals, or getting creative with cafeteria promotions, there’s something for everyone!

For more information about the NM Grown Coalition, contact us!