How Many Communities Can we Get to Issue a Proclamation in Support of Local Food Month?

What comes to mind when you think about October in Albuquerque?  The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, of course.  But there is an important event taking place during that month in Albuquerque and other communities around the state: Local Food Month

The initiative was conceived by Burque Bioneers, the MRCOG (Mid-Region Council of Governments) Agriculture Collaborative and organizers of Food Day New Mexico to highlight the many agriculture, food and health related events already planned for the month of October around the state. It has now grown to include more than 50 organizations, businesses and individuals.

Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry has been asked to issue a proclamation supporting the Local Food Month NM initiative and similar endorsements have been requested from other politicians. 

More importantly, you are encouraged to advocate for Local Food Month in your own community in New Mexico. Organizers will supply a drafted letter for any individual or organization that wishes to pursue a proclamation in a New Mexico town, city, county or other community.  The letter includes the list of supporting organizations.   Please contact localfoodnm@mrcog-nm.gov to get a copy of the letter.

Why should you participate?  Here is what the organizers say:

The local food system and the health of New Mexico residents improves as more individuals, organizations and agencies support the growing and distribution of healthy, local food within our state. There are numerous organizations in New Mexico working to preserve our agricultural heritage, improve community health conditions, educate the public, keep valuable food-related revenue in our state, and ensure that all people have access to affordable, healthy, fresh foods regardless of income level. Many of these organizations have signed on to support a Local Food Month initiative in New Mexico.

Stay tuned for updates