Check Out Farm to Table's New Agri-Policy Brief
Farm to Table New Mexico has launched a very attractive and useful newsletter on agricultural policy, examining how federal and state decisions affect us and our neighbors. The first issue of the newsletter starts by asking the question of What's at Stake in New Mexico? This is in light of recent and coming federal budget cuts to important agricultural, environmental and nutrition programs. "Despite court rulings ordering the release of obligated federal funds, critical projects remain stalled, leading to layoffs, mounting debt, and halted conservation work ahead of an expected hot and dry season," the newsletter points out. The newsletter also highlights an effort in the State Legislature to address the concerns related to the cuts in federal funding via the New Mexico Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee.The panel, co-chaired by Rep. Patricia A. Lundstrom and Sen. William P. Soules, is "dedicated to understanding federal delays and cancellations of federal funding and determining a plan of action to ensure that New Mexico gets the government services it needs."There is a lot more useful information in the newsletter, which you can access in PDF format via this link.You can also sign up to receive future issues of the newsletter.
Hunger Initiative Coalition Shifts Focus
Back in the summer of 2019, then State Rep. Melanie Stansbury brought together representatives from anti-hunger organizations, non-profit agencies, foundations, state agencies and other entities to begin discussions on a taking a more comprenhensive and long-term approach to addressing hunger in New Mexico. The coalition--working with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's administration, Reps. Stansbury and Joanne Ferrary and other key state legislators--indentified and promoted initiatives in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 (as reflected Food Depot agenda), 2024, and 2025 that would fund key agriculture, nutrition, sustainability and food programs.
"Over the past several years, this group has advocated together to lay the foundation and see many laws passed to improve hunger, food systems, agriculture, and to address the root causes of hunger,' said Emily Widau (New Mexico Voices for Children), on behalf of the steering committee for the Food/Hunger/Water/Ag Policy Workgroup
Connecting during the legislative session
The coalition has sought to keep members connected by holding monthly networking meetings on Zoom. But we have decided to go a different direction, partly because there are now many options to remain connnected on food and hunger issues. We will now focus on connecting just ahead and during the Legislative Session. Our 30-day session in 2026 is scheduled for Jan. 20-Feb. 19.
"We’ve seen one strength of this group being to educate each other on legislative processes, align policy priorities, and move legislation together each legislative session," said the e-mail. "So we are proposing that this group check in once in the fall to strategize on budget advocacy for food and hunger issues, and establish regular meetings during each session to assess coalition needs," said the note signed by Wildau, Katy Anderson (Roadrunner Food Bank), Jane Braithwaite (Interfaith Hunger Coalition), Kurt Rager(Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-New Mexico), Pam Roy (Farm to Table & NM Food and Agriculture Policy Council), Carlos Navarro (Interfaith Hunger Coalition), Chili Yazzie (grandpa, farmer and Earth Defender, Shiprock, Navajo Nation)
Here is the Zoom link for the Fall meeting on Sept. 11, 2025, Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Join the Kids Cook! Mailing List
Why Kids Cook! Matters — And Why We Need Your Support
As a mom and a Registered Dietitian, one of the questions I hear all the time is: "What do you feed your kids? How do you get them to eat healthy food?" It’s a question that touches every family, because feeding our kids is about more than just food, it’s an act of love.
Every parent wants to raise healthy, happy kids, but it doesn’t come with a manual. That’s where Kids Cook! comes in. We provide hands-on, empowering cooking and nutrition education that helps kids learn to make and enjoy healthy meals they actually eat. Parents often tell us, “If it’s a Kids Cook! recipe, I know my child will eat it.” That’s the real impact of nutrition education.
Nutrition education isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline. Kids need to come to school ready to learn and that starts with nutritious meals and a full belly. When families understand nutrition, they make healthier choices that can change their lives. But none of this happens without support.
Right now, Kids Cook! is at risk. The new federal budget’s elimination of SNAP-Ed funding has deeply hurt organizations like Kids Cook!, which has spent years working in Albuquerque schools and communities to fight chronic disease and close the health gap. We are a vital part of the public health solution.
Kitchens are more than places to cook, they’re learning laboratories. At Kids Cook!, kids learn science, math, reading, and real-life skills alongside healthy habits. We partner with schools to help grow the whole child and support coordinated school health efforts.
If you believe every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy, confident, and ready to learn, then we invite you to stand with us. Help us keep this critical work going. The future of our kids depends on it.
You can help save this program today by calling your New Mexico legislators and becoming a recurring monthly Kids Cook! donor.
Also, if your life was impacted by Kids Cook! when you were young, consider sharing your story with us.
Finally, make sure you join our mailing list so you can stay up-to-date as things change and progress. Every new connection helps. It strengthens our voice, spreads the word, and builds momentum for everything we’re working to protect.
Sincerely,
Kids Cook! Executive Director
Sara Robbins
Major Conference Coming to ABQ
The National Farm to Cafeteria Conference will be held at the Albuquerque Convention Center on Dec. 1-4, 2025.
Hosted by the National Farm to School Network, with support from New Mexico partners, including Farm to Table, this conference is the premier event for anyone passionate about bringing local food to institutional settings and driving positive change in the food system. Whether you’re a food service professional, farmer, educator, policymaker, entrepreneur, or student, this conference offers invaluable opportunities to network, learn, and share knowledge with others who are shaping the future of food access and sustainability.
See program highlights and overview
Early Bird Registration is now open through Aug 23.
If you are in need of support to attend the conference there are scholarships available through an application process.(Limited scholarships available) Go to the application. The scholarship application deadline is Sept. 1.
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.
