HB114 Seeks Funding to Expand Double Up Food Bucks to Include Meat, Nuts and Eggs

Now in its 11th year, Double Up Food Bucks has helped Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants stretch their food budgets to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. The NMFMA is seeking to expand the program to include locally produced meat, nuts, and eggs. If the NMFMA’s appropriations bill, House Bill 114, which requests $1 million is approved this session, ranchers, tree farmers and egg producers would benefit, along with SNAP shoppers who would gain greater access to these important sources of protein. Double Up Food Bucks is a statewide program offered at 67 outlets including farmers’ markets, farm stands, grocery stores, and Community Supported Agriculture programs. The program is funded through a combination of federal and state support and is administered by the NMFMA on behalf of SNAP communities and local farmers.

HB114 is sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Dow (R-Socorro, Sierra, Doña Ana), Rep. Tara Lujan (D-Santa Fe), Rep. Gail Armstrong (R-Catron, Sierra, Socorro & Valencia), Sen.Rex Wilson (R-Chaves, Lincoln & Otero-33), and Sen. Pat Woods (R-Chaves, Lincoln & Otero). The bill has bipartisan support from both rural and urban legislators. 

The bill will be headed to the House Appropriations and Finance Committee. Community members may express support for the bill by contacting their local state representative or senator.  Readers are encouraged to share their support for nutrition security and healthy communities through the Double Up Food Bucks program, which would expand access to locally produced meat and other protein sources for SNAP participants. Members of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee are particularly important to contact.

Share your support of HB114 by calling or emailing their office linked to their name below.  

Not sure which district you’re in? Find out here. 

Sample language to share:

Dear , /I’m writing to express my support for the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association’s (NMFMA) Double Up Food Bucks bill, House Bill 114. This legislation would strengthen nutrition security and expand access to local food across the state while directly benefitting New Mexico farmers and ranchers. 

With the support of the NMFMA and the passage of HB 114, Double Up Food Bucks will provide locally produced meat and other protein sources to SNAP participants for the first time, while helping sustain this successful program in the future.  Double Up Food Bucks will provide local meat and protein to SNAP participants for the first time, while also supporting the program into the future. 

Thank you for your time and consideration on this important issue for public health and New Mexico’s local economy. 

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Nathan P. Small: District 36 (Doña Ana)

Meredith A. Dixon: District 20 (Bernalillo)

Jack Chatfield: District 67 (Colfax, Curry, Harding, Quay, San Miguel, Union)

Brian G. Baca: District 8 (Valencia)

Cathrynn N. Brown: District 55 (Eddy & Lea)

Rebecca Dow: District 38 (Socorro, Sierra, Doña Ana)

Mark Duncan: District 2 (San Juan)

Joy Garratt: District 29 (Bernalillo)

Joseph Franklin Hernandez: District 4 (San Juan)

Pamelya Herndon: District 28 (Bernalillo)

Susan K. Herrera: District 41 (Rio Arriba, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Taos)

Charlotte Little: District 68 (Bernalillo)

Tara L. Lujan: District 48 (Santa Fe)

Randall T. Pettigrew: District 61(Lea)

Joseph Sanchez: District 40 (Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Taos)

Debra M. Sariñana: District 21(Bernalillo)

Sarah Silva: District 53 (Doña Ana)

Harlan Vincent: District 56 (Lincoln & Otero)