Groups Launch Campaign to Promote New Mexico-Grown Fresh Produce for School Meals

By Pam Roy

The New Mexico Food and Agriculture Policy Council, Farm to Table and partners hosted a "New Mexico Grown Fresh Fruit and Vegetables for School Meals" Strategic Planning day to determine the potential of the program and commitments by partners to further develop the program over the next three years and beyond.

Close to 50 stakeholders from across the state reaffirmed their commitments and brought new ideas and energy to the program now being called "New Mexico Grown". The group created a NM Grown Three Year Vision and action plan with four priority areas:

1. values-driven public policy;
2. integrated community wellness;
3. asset based economic development; and
4. coordinated infrastructure.

Several committees were formed to implement the Action Plan. If you are interested in joining a Committee or want additional information, please call Pam Roy at 505-660-8403 for more information. Currently the Steering Committee is working on a USDA grant application with hope to bring resources to the program long-term. A full report of the session is forthcoming. The steering committee for New Mexico Grown is scheduled to meet twice this spring, on April 7 and on May 13. The New Mexico Food and Agriculture Policy Council will also convene on May 13.

Many thanks to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and USDA Farm to School Program for their support of the "New Mexico Grown" program!

(Pam Roy is executive director and co-founder of Farm to Table and convener of the New Mexico Food and Agriculture Policy Council)