Image: Farmers at Hubble House
The University of New Mexico (UNM), with support from the NMFMA, recently concluded a multiyear evaluation of the New Mexico Grown Program, the state’s local food purchasing program. The evaluation found that in fiscal years 2023 through 2025 the program positively impacted New Mexico’s most vulnerable communities as well as local farmers, ranchers, food hubs and other food businesses.Â
- Food producer participation through the Approved Supplier Program increased from 217 total producers in FY23 to 253 total producers in FY25.Â
- Spending by NM Grown buyers– including schools, senior centers, early childcare providers, and food banks–increased from $1.93 million in FY23 to $5.41 million in FY25.Â
- During fiscal year 2025 alone, NM Grown generated an estimated $7.05 million in total economic output, supporting approximately 139 jobs and $2.41 million in labor income across the state.Â
The evaluation further revealed that the program excels in ensuring quality and cultural relevance of food products; improving food variety and diet quality of program participants; expanding markets and revenues for producers; and fostering community collaborations and relationships. The evaluation also noted key areas for future growth as well as challenges that need to be addressed. Securing recurring funding to sustain the program– and the many food producers and communities that now rely on NM Grown–was highlighted as a critical next step.
 You can check out the full NM Grown FY23-FY25 Evaluation Report here:Â
The UNM and NMFMA team also produced a shorter summary report as well as three two-page thematic overviews, which can be accessed here:
- NM Grown FY23-FY25 Evaluation Report Summary
- NM Grown Overall Impacts
- NM Grown Economic Impacts
- NM Grown Participant Perspectives
For more information on NM Grown and the Approved Supplier Program, visit  https://www.newmexicogrown.org Â
