The New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association, a leading local food and farming nonprofit, announces the official beginning of the SNAP Double Up Food Bucks New Mexico season. The innovative program increases access and affordability of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables for low-income individuals and families across New Mexico at 70 farmers’ markets, farm stands, and select grocery stores statewide, with new outlets joining the program later this summer.
Double Up Food Bucks New Mexico addresses the pressing issues of food insecurity and nutritional disparities by providing individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits with the opportunity to double the value of their benefits at participating local food outlets. The initiative supports families and the state’s local agricultural economies by forging a direct connection between consumers and New Mexico farmers.
Double Up Food Bucks New Mexico empowers SNAP recipients to stretch their food budgets, enabling them to purchase twice as many fresh fruits and vegetables. For every dollar spent using SNAP benefits at participating local food outlets, individuals will receive an additional dollar in Double Up Food Bucks. The program encourages healthier eating choices, fosters community engagement, and strengthens the local agricultural sector.
While many Double Up retail partners offer program access year-round, July is when the New Mexico agriculture season kicks into high gear, increasing the abundance of local fruits and vegetables that are eligible for purchase. In addition to fresh New Mexico-grown produce, as of 2022 New Mexico SNAP shoppers can also purchase dried, frozen and lightly processed New Mexico-grown fruits and vegetables (no added salt, sugar, fats, or oil). That means frozen New Mexico chile and dried red chile is now eligible for purchase if shoppers miss the fresh chile season.
“The growth of Double Up over the last few years has been amazing. With food budgets tighter than ever, we’re glad to see urban and rural communities throughout New Mexico embracing the program,” said Denise Miller, executive director, New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association. “The program is designed to make nutritious food more accessible and affordable while simultaneously supporting New Mexico farmers and local economies. It is an intervention that helps feed people and strengthen our local food system.”
In 2010, a pilot program launched in New Mexico with $50,000 at 11 farmers’ markets: During 2022, approximately SNAP shoppers purchased $3.5 million in local food through the program, supporting more than 800 family farms. When these food dollars circulate in the local economy, the total economic impact is more than $6.3 million.
Double Up Food Bucks New Mexico is made possible through funding from USDA NIFA, the State of New Mexico, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the support of hundreds of community partners. This public-private partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to fostering healthier communities and a sustainable food system in New Mexico.
For more information on Double Up Food Bucks New Mexico, including participating outlets, and program guidelines, visit DoubleUpNM.org and follow us on Facebook @DoubleUpNM for updates and inspiring stories from participants.
