Four Questions

Candidates Committed to Promote Food Security in New Mexico

In person photo: Carlos Navarro    Screenshot from YouTube interview with Hull

The Roadrunner Coalition to End Hunger, which includes the Interfaith Hunger Coalition, hosted a forum on Food Security, featuring gubernatorial candidates Deb Haaland and Greg Hull. Haaland appeared in person at Roadrunner Food Bank on Friday, September 4. Hull was originally set to attend the forum in person, but a scheduling conflict precluded a live appearance. So organizers recorded the interview with Hull, with moderator Megan Kamerick asking the same questions to the former Rio Rancho mayor as she would eventually to former Interior Secretary Haaland.

The two candidates were asked to comment on eight topics. In the interest of brevity, we will deal with only four of the topics in this space and post only brief summaries of their replies. You are encouraged to watch the videos, housed in the Roadrunner Food Bank YouTube page, to hear more complete answers and also the candidates' views on food and healthcare, poverty, working with state legislators and building on the outgoing administration's efforts to address food insecurity. Here are the videos   Deb Haaland   Gregg Hull 



Need has almost doubled in two years
Before we delve into the comments from the candidates, I would like to share opening remarks from Dana Yost, Roadrunner Food Bank President and Chief Executive Officer, who explained  why the Food Security forum was important. His full introduction is located at the beginning of the Haaland video.

"Add our numbers this year across our network are approaching 90,000 people a month that we're serving. Two years ago, that number was a little over 50,000," said Yost. "And down in Los Cruces at our office down there, we're serving about 2,000 people a month that are unhoused coming to our office to get a day bag of food...A couple of years ago that number was maybe a couple hundred a month."

That's the reality of the world that we're living in today and the challenges that we're facing as a food bank," Yost added.

Coming together to say, 'this is not ok'
While the number of clients is increasing significantly, the ability of food banks and other providers to respond to the need is greatly diminished because of a reduction of government support and increasing costs, particularly the diesel fuel that is neeeded to transport food to locations of need.

The loss of SNAP benefits for more than 18,000 New Mexicans represents an additional and significant challenge. (Ari Herring, executive director of the Rio Grande Food Project emphasized this point in a piece written in the RGFP's August newsletter).

One way to address the problem is for advocates, organizations and coalitions to engage in advocacy at the state and federal levels, and by organizing events such as the food security forum. "This a great opportunity for all of us to come together and say this is not okay," Yost said. "We can create a different future together."

Candidates respond
Now, to the four topics we chose to post. For our purposes, we offer very simple summaries of the comments. Please watch the videos for complete replies and discussions on all the topics. (Remember that you can enable the transcript option on each video)

1. Food insecurity affects many people across New Mexico, especially in rural communities. What is your plan to improve access to healthy food statewide?

Haaland focused her comments on preserving SNAP support for all eligible New Mexicans. She said the program plays an important role on whether people have access to healthy food, She noted her administration would make the use of navigators in state government to help ensure that people don't get kicked off their SNAP benefits, particularly with new requirements imposed by changes in federal legislation. She also advocated for other programs to help New Mexicans, such the Child Tax Credit and the Working Families tax credit, which would allow New Mexicans to have more money in their pockets. She also advocated for assistance to local farmers and small businesses in rural areas and infrastructure enhancements.

Hull noted that the state's agriculture industry is critical to promoting access to healthy food statewide. He cited the need for partnerships with local food banks and other providers, which he oversaw during his time as mayor of Rio Rancho. Regarding the rural communities, he advocated for expansion of services like mobile food vehicles and delivery systems that ensure that food reaches communities where it's needed. He cited a need to expand the food bank network and find ways to improve and enhance existing systems. He also proposed expanding the way in which SNAP benefits could be used to purchase food. "Every New Mexican deserves to have healthy food. That's really the bottom line," said Hull. "So, however the state can can help with that, we will."

2. There is uncertainty around future federal support for some food assistance programs. What role do you think the state should play in supporting food banks and other hunger relief organizations?

Hull cited the importance of having strong support programs at the state level. He noted that federal  administrations are going to change, and each would adopt different policies, depending on what they identify as their priorities. "In the long run, we need to make sure that we have programs in place that we can sustain as a state to make sure that we're meeting the needs of the citizens of our communities, he noted.."So my goal would be to look at these programs and make sure that in the absence of federal dollars, we're not going to be adversely affected.

Haaland spoke in support of state assistance to food banks and institutions. "Any programs...that can help ensure that we are connecting New Mexicans who need food to food assistance is absolutely something we can do." She also cited some examples of programs that could be supported with state support, such as an initiative at the Community Food Pantry in Grants, where plots are rented very inexpensively to people who want to grow food for their families and others. She also spoke in favor of encouraging private organizations to participate in feeding programs. She said there are many ways in which the state can offer incentives. "But we need to encourage them to help in places where there's not so many people...Our rural communities sometimes get short changed because of their population size." 

3. SNAP or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps over 200,000 New Mexican households get access to food. What current opportunities exist at the state level to make sure eligible people can enroll in and keep receiving SNAP benefits?

Hull cited the need to ensure that New Mexico has the ability and capability to fund the program on our own. He said this could result in difficult decisions regarding the state budget. "Feeding people has to be a priority," he said. But he also pointed out that the state has created special sovereign funds that could be used to supplement state spending on assistance programs like SNAP..

Haaland spoke of streamlining the application process, perhaps using a single application for public assistance programs. "When you think about it, if you're eligible for Medicaid, you're likely eligible for SNAP. If you're
eligible for SNAP and Medicaid, you're likely eligible for other programs," said Haaland.

4 . Agriculture is a crucial part of our economy and local food systems that increases access to food for residents. How would your administration evaluate and prioritize funding for these agricultural programs?

Both candidates mentioned water as the top issue facing agriculture producers in New Mexico. Haaland pointed to the need to prioritize water conservation policies to ensure that enough supply is available for future generations. Hull also expressed the need for a more sustainable water future, but also noted that the situation is complicted by regional differences, compacts with other states, and depletion of groundwater resources.

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World Food Day 2026
International Year of the Woman Farmer


Image created by Shianna Harrison (Native American Community Academy)

Join us on Sunday afternoon, October 18, 2:30-4:00 p.m., at the Indigenous Farm Hub, 6370 Corrales Rd, in Corrales, to help us celebrate women farmers in New Mexico and other places around the globe. 

Our theme this year is linked to the Food and Agriculture Organizaton's International Year of the Woman Farmer campaign (rather than the official WFD theme Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow). We will hear personal stories from several women in New Mexico, from different backgrounds and skills, on the challenges and successes related to growing crops and performing other functions to feed their communities. According to the FAO, women play crucial roles across agrifood systems, but also face more precarious working conditions, heavier workloads, and unequal access to resources.

Our list of participants includes representatives from

• AgrAbility Program-Mandy's Farm (Saleema Robinson, Melissa McCue)
• NACA Land Based Healing & Learning (Maya Kwon, Tiarra Little)
• Indigenous Farm Hub (Alice Tsoodle)
• Rio Grande Food Project (Ari Herring, Jessica Swan)
• Desert Hives (Amy Rogers)
• Return Peace Corps Volunteer-Niger (Cathy Day)
• The Semilla Project, (Victoria Martine, Land Based Manager) 
• National Young Farmers Coalition (Nicole Lett)
• Moderator Pam Roy (Farm to Table/NM Food and Agriculture Policy Council)

The program will also include blessings, prayers and other reflections from the Jewish, Christian, Diné, Pueblo, Muslim, and Baháʼí traditions. 

Please RSVP via this Eventbrite link. There is absolutely no cost to attend (and you don't need to bring a QR code or ticket). This is just for planning purposes to help us keep track of how many people might be coming.

The event is organized and/or supported by the Interfaith Hunger Coalition, Surgite: A Sacred Dance Company, the Turkish Raindrop community in Albuquerque, Indigenous Farm Hub, the Native American Community Academy (NACA), and Farm to Table-New Mexico/NM Food and Agriculture Policy Council.
 

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Rio Grande Food Project's Hike to End Hunger
You are invited to participate in the Rio Grande Food Project's 11th Annual Hike to End Hunger on Saturday, October 17, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm, at Pat Hurley Park Lower Loop  Details in the graphic below. Online Registration is OPEN & FREE!

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A Few FYIs

• The State Legislature's Water and Natural Resources Interim Committee is scheduled to meet on September 28-30 in Red River and October 26-27 in Santa Fe.The bicameral committee addresses a myriad of legislative topics related to water; energy; natural resources, conservation and climate; and agriculture, land management and animals. On the food and agriculture front, the committee in the past has discussed such topics the New Mexico Food Charter report card, market opportunities for farmers, ranchers and producers; the governor's food initiative and much more. No details are yet available on the agenda for the September or October meetings. Click here for updates.
• Our Water Crisis (and Our Calling) Interfaith Power & Light-New Mexico & El Paso will host  a webinar on Wednesday, October 7, 12-1pm. The virtual event will feature Norm Gaume, president of New Mexico Water Advocates. Participants will also discuss IPL's legislative priorities for 2027. Register here or contact Rev. Clara Sims, clara@nm-ipl.org
• The NM Food & Agriculture Policy Council will host a virtual meeting on Thursday, September 24, 9:00am-12:00 noon. Participants will be setting the stage for the upcoming 2027 legislative session. RSVP here.
• Monthly Brunch: World Food Day: The Turkish Raindrop Foundation will offer a program related to World Food Day at its monthly brunch on Sunday, October 25, featuring guests from Roadrunner Food Bank. Stay tuned for more details and registration information. 
• Roots and Resilience Conference Join farmers, ranchers, and food system leaders from across New Mexico on December 1–3, at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. 2401 12th Street NW, Albuquerque, for three days of connection, collaboration, and practical tools to strengthen New Mexico agriculture. Hosted by Farm to Table’s New Mexico Farmer Innovation Program. See program information. Registration details TBA
• What's up with the Farm Bill? The food and agriculture measure remains in the Senate Agriculture Committee, after the measure failed to pass out of committee in August. Another vote could be coming this fall with some changes. More details in the Farm to Table website; update and analysis; and the September Field Notes:Agripolicy Brief. 

A Gubernatorial Forum, World Food Day, A Hike to End Hunger

 World Food Day 2026

International Year of the Woman Farmer


Images created by Shianna Harrison (Native American Community Academy)

Join us on Sunday afternoon, October 18, 2:30-4:00 p.m., at the Indigenous Farm Hub, 6370 Corrales Rd, Corrales, to help us celebrate women farmers in New Mexico and other places around the globe. 

Our theme this year is linked to the Food and Agriculture Organizaton's International Year of the Woman Farmer campaign (rather than the official WFD theme Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow). We will hear personal stories from several women in New Mexico, from different backgrounds and skills, on the challenges and successes related to growing crops and performing other functions to feed their communities. According to the FAO, women play crucial roles across agrifood systems, but also face more precarious working conditions, heavier workloads, and unequal access to resources.

Our partial list of participants includes representatives from

• AgrAbility Program-Mandy's Farm (Melissa McCue, Saleema Robinson)
• NACA Land Based Healing & Learning (Maya Kwon, Tiarra Little)
• Indigenous Farm Hub (Alice Tsoodle)
• Rio Grande Food Project (Ari Herring, Jessica Swan)
• Desert Hives (Amy Rogers)
• Return Peace Corps Volunteer ( Cathy Day)
• Moderator Pam Roy (Farm to Table/NM Food and Agriculture Policy Council)

We expect to add a couple more participants.

The program will also include blessings, prayers and other reflections from the Jewish, Christian, Diné, Pueblo, Muslim, Baháʼí and Hindu traditions. 

Organized by the Interfaith Hunger Coalition, Surgite: A Sacred Dance Company, the Turkish Raindrop community in Albuquerque and Indigenous Farm Hub.
 

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You're Invited to A Food Security Forum
A Conversation with New Mexico's Candidates for Governor.

Screenshots from Roadrunner YouTube videos

Roadrunner Food Bank and the Coalition to End Hunger in New Mexico are planning a nonpartisan gubernatorial forum, featuring Democrat Deb Haaland and Republican Gregg Hull. The discussion/dialogue is designed to elevate public understanding of how food systems and food security intersect with agriculture, economic opportunity, public health, and community stability, and to ensure voters have access to thoughtful, issue-based dialogue ahead of the 2026 election.   

The original intent was to bring together both candidates in person on Friday, Sept. 4, to discuss food security in the state. Mayor Hull had to cancel his involvement that evening due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts. Organizers are moving ahead ahead with Secretary Haaland on that evening, and arrangements have been made with Mayor Hull and his campaign to record his responses. Both candidates will be asked the same questions by moderator Megan Kamerick. Hull's responses will eventually be posted online.

How to Engage

• In person at Roadrunner Food Bank, 5840 Office Blvd NE, Albuquerque  on Sept. 4, 6:00-8:00 p.m.)  Register Here (scroll down to registration link) Seating is limited, so register as soon as possible.
• Watch the Sept. 4 livestream on the Roadrunner Food Bank YouTube Page
• A video with responses from both candidates will also be available a few days after the livestreatm, also on the Roadrunner YouTube Page 

In the meantime, here is what Haaland and Hull said in previous comments recorded ahead of the June primary elections. Read a summary with comments from all the primary candidates.

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Rio Grande Food Project's Hike to End Hunger
You are invited to participate in the Rio Grande Food Project's 11th Annual Hike to End Hunger on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Pat Hurley Park Lower Loop  Details in the graphic below. Pre-Registration begins on Tuesday, Sept. 1. 

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A Few FYIs

• Letter to State Leaders: The New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty has drafted a letter to state leaders thanking them for their work to address food insecurity in New Mexico, and requesting further state investment to counter the effects of HR 1 and the increasing cost of food. Several organizations, including the Interfaith Hunger Coalition, signed on to the letter, which was addressed to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham; the Chair and Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. George Muñoz and Sen. Benny Shendo; and the Chair and Vice Chair of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee, Rep. Nathan Small and Rep. Meredith Dixon.
• Food and Farms Day Nominations: The New Mexico Food and Agriculture Policy Council is accepting nominations for the annual New Mexico Food & Farms Day Awards.There are five categories of nominations. Through this nomination process you can highlight the efforts of hard working farmers and ranchers, nonprofit organizations, health and conservation coalitions, and any business or individual contributing to the enrichment of our local food system. Nominations are open until Aug. 30. Learn More
• Film on College Hunger: Learning Hungry is a new documentary and action resource focused on college student food insecurity and the broader basic needs challenges that affect student persistence, health, well-being, and completion.The film, which will premiere sometime in September, features a wide range of voices, including students with lived experience, campus basic needs leaders, policy experts, higher education leaders, business representatives, and elected officials. Sponsored by The Working Hungry, an organization that addresses hunger through film. Sign up for the organization's interest list and to receive a Screening Guide.
• Another World Food Day Commemoration: The Turkish Raindrop Foundation will also offer a program related to World Food Day at its monthly brunch on Sunday, Oct. 25.  Stay tuned for details and registration information. 

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Two Opinion Pieces

SNAP - Not Rio Grande Food Project - Should Be the First Line of Defense Against Hunger
By Ari Herring, Director, Rio Grande Food Project
(Published in latest RGFP newsletter, August 2026)

Rio Grande Food Project recently had the opportunity to share firsthand accounts, and to learn from other community leaders and hunger-relief advocates, about the growing impact of federal cuts to food assistance locally. We are grateful to Senator Ben Ray Luján for taking the time to listen. Read the Source New Mexico report on the rise in demand at New Mexico food banks.

Food banks and pantries across New Mexico are seeing more people seek help as SNAP benefits are reduced or lost. Since the federal passage of H.R. 1 ("One Big Beautiful Bill Act") in mid-2025, more than 18,000 New Mexicans (10,000 children) have lost SNAP benefits.

SNAP should be our nation's first line of defense against hunger because when fully funded, SNAP provides roughly nine meals to every one provided by the food pantry/bank network; food pantries simply cannot fill the growing void.     Read Ari's Full Piece
 

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Before opposing mosque, get to know your Muslim neighbors
By Carlos Navarro, convener Interfaith Hunger Coalition 
(published in Albuquerque Journal, Aug 10, 2026)

I am concerned about the disinformation and misconceptions that have accompanied the opposition to the construction of a mosque in the North Valley. Some of these folks used terms such as “not a peaceful religion.” Often, the labels of “terrorists” and “jihadists” were used in reference to our Muslim brothers and sisters. I think that is entirely wrong. These people have made up their minds to express hateful rhetoric without first taking time to learn what is true about our Muslim neighbors.

As convener of the informal Interfaith Hunger Coalition, I have found that many of our Muslim brothers and sisters are very good neighbors. Without much fanfare, they have launched projects to feed the community and reach out in other ways. They don’t ask questions, they just provide food and other essentials as well as dignity to people in need, regardless of their faith affiliation. Read full piece

What do Deb Haaland and Greg Hull Have to Say About Hunger?

 Food Security Forum

A Conversation with New Mexico's Candidates for Governor


Screenshots from Roadrunner YouTube videos

What do Democrat Deb Haaland and Republican Greg Hull have to say about continuing efforts to address hunger and food insecurity in New Mexico?

The Roadrunner Coalition to End Hunger, on behalf of allies and supporters (including the Interfaith Hunger Coalition), is hosting a forum featuring the two candidates for Governor of New Mexico. The  "Food Security Forum - A Conversation with New Mexico's Candidates for Governor," is scheduled for the evening of Sept. 4. Registration will be limited. Details TBA.  For those unable to attend in person, the forum will be livestreamed and a video will be available later on the Roadrunner YouTube channel. So watch for details.

In the meantime, here is what Haaland and Hull said in previous comments recorded ahead of the June primary elections. Read a summary with comments from all the primary candidates.

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World Food Day 
The International Year of the Woman Farmer

Mark Your Calendars
Join us on Sunday afternoon, October 18, 2:30 p.m., to help us celebrate women farmers in New Mexico and other places around the globe. We will announce a location soon.

As part of the Food and Agriculture Organizaton's International Year of the Woman Farmer campaign, we will hear personal stories from several women in New Mexico, from different backgrounds and skills, on the challenges and successes related to growing crops and performing other functions to feed their communities. According to the FAO, women play crucial roles across agrifood systems, but also face more precarious working conditions, heavier workloads, and unequal access to resources.

We will also link our program to the  FAO's overall theme for World Food Day, Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow. 

The program is sponsored by the Interfaith Hunger Coalition, Surgite: A Sacred Dance Company and the Turkish Raindrop community in Albuquerque.

Another Commemoration: The Turkish Raindrop Foundation will also offer a program related to World Food Day at its monthly brunch on Sunday, Oct. 25.  Stay tuned for details and registration information. 

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New Social Services Network Website

A new website, Social Services Networking,, managed by Karen Navarro, connects social services professionals and volunteers with vital local resources and notices within the greater Albuquerque Area.  Pacha Group, Inc., Robb Leland, Jenny Mull, Yessenia Yaguana (website designer), and Mikayla Martinez at Goodwill contributed to the development of the site. 

A Few Tidbits from the Gubernatorial Candidates Videos

The Roadrunner Coalition to End Hunger, on behalf of allies and supporters (including the Interfaith Hunger Coalition), asked gubernatorial candidates to discuss their positions on hunger and food insecurity in New Mexico. All six candidates agreed to record videos in which the host (Jason Riggs) asked questions in a "firechat" format. 

The candidates seeking to succeed Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham are Democrats Sam Bregman and Deb Haaland; Republicans Gregg Hull, Duke Rodriguez and Doug Turner, and Independent Ken Miyagishima.

The six videos are contained in a post in the IHC blog, but you can also find them on the Roadrunner Youtube Channel. Roadrunner also created shorter versions to post on Instagram and Facebook

The fireside chat format was chosen to give the candidates the same opportunity to answer important questions, ahead of the June 2 primary election in New Mexico.

These photographs are screenshots from the videos

I (Carlos Navarro) watched all six of the videos and came away with my personal observations. I encourage you to watch the videos and draw your own conclusions (and to learn what New Mexican dishes each of the candidates favors).

• Hunger Action: Sam Bregman would issue an executive order to make addressing hunger a priority in our state. Gregg Hull spoke of increasing the state investment in food insecurity. 
• On Public Assistance:Three of the candidates (Deb Haaland, Doug Turner, Duke Rodriguez) spoke about receiving SNAP/public assistance in their childhood years or as a parent with a young child. 
• About SNAP Duke Rodriguez emphasized the program is "supplemental" to other efforts the state government must make to feed people in New Mexico. Ken Miyagashima said we need to ensure that SNAP is fully funded. "If it's not, we need to take it over. And make sure that the existence of funding is there," he said.
• Municipal Experience: Two the candidates addressed the questions from the perspective of their previous roles as mayors. Gregg Hull served as mayor of Rio Rancho (2014-2026)  and Ken Miyagashima led the city of Las Cruces (2007-2023). Both mayors spoke of the importance of partnering with a local agency or agencies to address hunger in their communities. Sam Bregman said food insecurity was an important issue that came up often when he served on the Albuquerque City Council (1995-1999) 
• Economics and Taxes: Deb Haaland advocated for enhancing the child tax credit and the working families tax credit...Ken Miyagashima spoke about reducing the income tax for businesses and have them donate the difference to feeding efforts in New Mexico...Doug Turner said the gross receipts tax is regressive and hurts the very people who end up needing food assistance. He advocated creating more well-paying jobs to support familes.
•  Food Banks: Doug Turner advocated using money from the State Permanent Fund to support food banks. Ken Miyagashima supported using more of the governor's discretionary spending to support Roadrunner and other food banks. His former business partner was a founder of Casa de los Peregrinos in Las Cruces, which is now part of the Roadrunner Food Bank network. 
• Government Operations: Duke Rodriguez used the word "optimize" to bring government and food advocates together to ensure that food gets to the people that need it most. Gregg Hull spoke of creating more efficiencies and coordination among government agencies to get away from the "silo" effect of operations. 
• Child Hunger Deb Haaland advocated for the continuation of the  free lunch and free breakfast programs. She also proposed an increase in summer programs for kids in vulnerable communites  Gregg Hull cited children as a priority when assisting the most needy individuals in the state. "Hungry children don't do well in school," he said...Ken Miyagashima advocated for school districts use school kitchens to create breakfast and lunch on non-school days. Sam Bregman spoke of the priority for school kids to have access to all the food they need. 
• Partnering with Farmers Doug Turner spoke of supporting more local agriculture and water management as a way to increase our state's food supply. Deb Haaland said our farmers should be producing food that we can move to public schools. 

Gubernatorial Candidates Offer Their Views on Hunger in New Mexico

The Roadrunner Coalition to End Hunger released videos of the fireside chats with six gubernatorial candidates. Their views on addressing hunger in New Mexico are important as voters cast the ballots for the successor to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The primary election is on June 2, 2026. 

The winners of the Democrat and Republican primaries and the one independent candidate will be invited to attend an in-person forum at Roadrunner Food Bank, likely sometime in late August. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.

The fireside chat format was chosen to give the candidates the same opportunity to answer important questions. 

• How has food insecurity impacted your life or the lives of those you care about?
• If elected governor of New Mexico, under your leadership, what top priorities and goals would yoi have to increase food security in New Mexico?
• What is the first action that your administration would take to help New Mexicans facing food insecurity and why? 
• What is your favorite New Mexican dish? 

The videos are posted below in alphabetical order. 

Bread Members Visit Albuquerque Congressional Offices

The cost of travel to Washington, D.C., makes it extremely difficult for Bread members in New Mexico to attend Bread for the World's Advocacy Summit and Lobby Day in June each year. So we did the next best thing. We held our own Lobby Day visits in Albuquerque in May.

We are very grateful to aides to Reps. Melanie Stansbury (DeChellie Gray) and Gabe Vasquez (Erika Huerta) and Sens. Martin Heinrich (Dahveed Torres-Avila) and Ben Ray Lujan (Desirae Shorter) for meeting with Bread for the World members in Albuquerque to receive our letters and listen to our appeal to restore funding for SNAP and WIC and for international nutrition and health programs. We also asked that the legislators support a strong and fair bipartisan Farm Bill. (Judy Crawford from First Presbyterian Church in Santa Fe brought letters from her congregation to the Santa Fe offices of Rep. Teresa Leger-Fernandez and Sens. Heinrich and Lujan back in March)

With DeChellie Gray at Rep. Stansbury's office

The churches and school represented at one or more of our meetings included All Saints Lutheran Church (Rozy Kalsbeek and Judy Messal), Albuquerque Mennonite Church (Jeanne Elmhorst and Tom Elmhorst), First Congregational Church (Margaret Leonard and Patty Ebner), La Mesa Presbyterian Church, (Holly Meyer) La Mesa Elementary School (Joseph Hernandez and Jeannie Baca), St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (Paula Mills), St. John XXIII Catholic Community (Carlos Navarro), Fernie Quiroz, Bread's regional organizer for Arizona and New Mexico, joined us for three of the meetings.

We also brought letters from First Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque and St. Paul Lutheran Church.

La Mesa Elementary School Principal Joseph Hernandez and Community School Impact Coordinator Jeannie Baca joined us for the Stansbury meeting. The students and faculty at the school contributed some of the 1,100 letters we delivered. Holly Meyer from La Mesa Presbyterian Church, who also worked on the project, is also pictured.

With Erika Huerta (Rep. Vasquez) at Lala Coffee Bean coffee shop

With Dahveed Torres-Avila at Sen. Heinrich's office

With Desirae Shorter at Sen. Lujan's office

Dahveed Torres-Avila told us about the process the senator's office uses to consider each letter that comes to Sen. Heinrich.

Community Experts Weigh in on Loss of SNAP Food Assistance

Let's Talk New Mexico Radio Show 

On April 16, a panel of community experts discussed the fallout of work requirements for SNAP recipients in New Mexico.  The guests, who appeard on Let's Talk New Mexico radio show hosted by KUNM radio, included 

• Sovereign Hager, public benefits attorney, New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty
• Emily Wildau, director of policy, New Mexico Voices for Children
• Niki Kozlowski, support division director, New Mexico Health Care Authority

Read coverage on KUNM 

Listen to radio show (about 55 minutes)

New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty Webinar

On April 21, the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty hosted a webinar examining federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).  The video featured  NMCLP experts Sovereign Hager and Marco Alarid.  Watch Video on YouTube   (You have the option to follow along viewing the transcript. Simply click on more in the description, and the transcript option appears)

See NMCLP's SNAP Resource Page

Positive Legislative Outcomes in 2026 State Legislature

Counting Our Victories (L) Participants in Hunger Action Day (Photo from Roadunner Coalition to End Hunger) (R)  Emily Wildau, Gabrielle Uballez (NM Voices for Children) at Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM event Hunger-related legislative outcomes in the New Mexico State Legislature are often measured by what is included or excluded from the general budget (HB2), although every now and then an important stand-alone measure is approved on the floor, such as the Healthy Universal School Meals  in 2023. Even so, funding to keep this program going must be eventually included in the budget, which was the case this year. Again, our measuring stick for the 2026 legislative session is guided by what was included in HB2, which starts out as a list of priorities by the governor and the Legislative Finance Committee. During the debate process, some items are added or deleted (and later re-added) the respective budget committees in each chamber. That was the case again this year. This partial listing below was put together with great input from Pam Roy from the New Mexico Food and Agriculture Policy Council/Farm to Table, Sovereign Hager from the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty (NMCLP) and Katy Anderson from the Roadrunner Coalition to End Hunger.  The Latest on SNAP There was an "elephant in the room" as members of the legislature considered measures related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other important initiatives. Decisions were in part guided by the federal budget that was approved in July, which cut billions of dollars from SNAP. This prompted the Legislature to hold a special session in October to respond to the cuts, but the funding approved then was just  a temporary fix.  Support for SNAP recipients. The reality is the legislature cannot fully make up for the federal reductions in the program. What it can do is help beneficiaries in New Mexico comply with new work and reporting requirements.To that end, the Senate added additional funding to ensure that the Health Care Authority (HCA) has the capability of helping as many SNAP recipients as possible. According to Sovereign Hager, the funding falls short of the amount requested by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in her budget, but is an increase from the original House proposal.   Incidentally, the NMCLP has put together a very valuable resource entitled Know Your Rights--SNAP Work Requirements in New Mexico. The document is also available in Spanish. Three Other Outcomes. There was one positive and another not-so-positive outcome on SNAP in the recent legislative session. On the plus side, the state SNAP supplement for older adults and people with disabilities was fully funded, despite coming out of the House with a cut. The budget also included $2.5 billion for SNAP Program Education.  On the minus side, the budget lacked additional funding for SNAP for immigrants who are losing benefits due to the federal budget cuts. Read an article  and an op-ed on this issue in the Santa Fe New Mexican. (Note: The articles are behind a paywall) "The advocacy on this continues with the governor's office," said Hager. "The funding was secured for healthcare to continue for this same population using state funds - mainly through the passage of HB4." Other Nutrition, Food Programs Funded HB2 contained funding for several important programs. These include: Double Up Food Bucks  expansion $1 million. (The expansion allows for the benefit to now be used on certain proteins, such as meats, nuts and eggs, in addition to fruits and vegetables). Healthy Universal School Meals – $42.2 million  WIC and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs – $1 million Regional Farm to Food Banks Program, $2 million Approved Supplier Program, $430,000  New Mexico Grown and raised food for senior meal programs, $1.5 million  Healthy Food Financing Program, $2 million  Other Important Funding. The budget also approved funds for other health, water and conservation initiatives to our farming and rural communities. These include Health Councils, Farmers and ranchers soil and water conservation training program,Farmers and ranchers water efficiency grant program, Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund, Acequia repairs and improvements, and Water Trust Fund. Thank You Rep. Joanne Ferrary! We are deeply grateful to Rep. Joanne Ferrary for her leadership in advancing hunger-related issues in the New Mexico State Legislature during nearly 10 years in office. Rep. Ferrary has decided not to seek reelection to the State House, representing District 37 in Doña Ana County.  Rep. Ferrary partnered with the Interfaith Hunger Coaltion and other organizations to create an informal Hunger Caucus in the legislature. (Read an Op-Ed in the New Mexican) While the caucus did not have any formal duties, it helped create a mechanism for legislators to support efforts in our state to end hunger. And the caucus also played a behind-the-scenes role in the The Food, Farm, and Hunger Initiative, which served as the backbone for our efforts to address hunger in a unified manner.  "Representative Ferrary had a real heart for others and was a delight to work with in the New Mexico State Legislature," said Ellen Buelow, a former member of the IHC steering committee. "It was a pleasure working with Rep. Ferrary in the New Mexico legislature to bring well needed change to New Mexicans," said Brenda Sinfield, also a former member of the IHC steering committee."Her love and dedication paid off and she can know her constituents will benefit from her work." Thank you Representative Ferrary for your great work and partnership. We wish you the best as you transition out of the State Legislature. Farm Bill and Federal Program Updates The Farm Bill debate is back after numerous delays in the renewal of this important food and agriculture omnibus legislation. Congress has been unable to agree on a new five-year package after the original 2018 Farm Bill expired in 2023. In mid-February, the chair of the House Agriculture Committee presented his proposed text for a five-year bill. But critics say the measure does little to fight food insecurity in our country and boost support systems for farmers..  Two New Mexico federal legislators, Rep. Gabe Vasquez and Sen. Ben Ray Lujan are members of their respective Agriculture Committees, and will play a key role in the debate. Below are a couple of comments We strongly oppose this bill as written, because it fails to address the kinds of challenges farmers, ranchers, and support systems in New Mexico are facing. Our farmers need meaningful access to the farm safety net, they need real investments in local food supply chains, and they need access to proven, popular conservation programs. (Farm to Table New Mexico/NM Food and Agriculture Policy Council) Instead of strengthening the very tools designed to support  food security — during a time when an alarming number of households are struggling to put food on the table —(the draft proposal) fails to include funding to restore the historic $187 billion in cuts to SNAP and harmful SNAP provisions enacted in the budget reconciliation law (HR.1). (Food Research and Action Center) Members of about a dozen congregations in New Mexico will be writing our three members of the House of Representatives and our two members of the US Senate to approve a strong bipartisan Farm Bill. This is part of the Bread for the World 2026 Offering of Letters, which also seeks to protect and strengthen domestic and global nutrition programs. In January, House Agriculture Committee minority members, including Rep. Gabe Vasquez, unveiled their framework for the Farm and Family Relief Act. The framework targets families impacted by SNAP program changes, farmers impacted by years of losses ,and trade. The note was included in the latest issue of Field Notes: AgriPolicy Brief World Food Day  The Food and Agriculture Organization has yet to officially release the theme for this year's commemoration. But sources indicate that the theme could again center around on the right to food and sustainability. The FAO has also launched a separate campaign in 2026, entitled the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This theme seems to have gained a lot of traction among supporters of the Interfaith Hunger Coalition, and we intend to make this the theme of our celebration in October 2026. We will begin the planning process this summer. Stay tuned for more details.