Spring in New Mexico is here—and with it comes fresh food, new routines, and a chance to shop smarter. If you’re feeling the pinch of rising grocery prices or just looking to make more intentional choices, now is the time to shift gears and support local.
Here’s why locally grown, New Mexico food should be on your radar—and your table— this spring:
1. You’ll Get More for Your Money
A vendor in Española holds out tokens used for the Double Up Food Bucks program.
At a farmers’ market or local food outlet, your dollar works harder. By buying directly from growers, you skip the middle costs—shipping, storage, and retail markups. That means your food has traveled less miles, and you get fresher food at a better value, while keeping your budget in check. Plus, many markets accept SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program benefits, helping stretch food dollars even farther.
2. April’s Harvest Is Packed With Flavor
Spring in New Mexico brings a bounty of early-season produce. Right now, markets are full of greens like spinach, arugula, lettuce, and salad mixes—plus radishes, peas, rhubarb, herbs, and even dried red chile. Looking for more? April is also prime time for eggs, dairy, honey, jams, poultry, and fresh-baked goods. Local food is fresher, tastier, and often harvested just hours before you buy it.
Strengthening local economic health is just one reason why New Mexicans should buy food from local farmers and ranchers. Learn more by following us on Instagram!
3. You Support New Mexico’s Economy
Every dollar spent on local food stays closer to home. It supports farmers, ranchers, bakers, beekeepers, and food producers across the state. That helps build stronger local economies, preserve farmland, and ensure New Mexico’s food traditions carry forward.
4. You Know Where Your Food Comes From
At a farmers’ market, you’re not guessing how your food was grown—you can ask. Shopping local builds real relationships in a short, transparent value chain. Whether you’re asking for cooking tips or learning how the chickens are raised, you’re connected to your food in a real, meaningful way.
5. It’s a Fresh Start That Feels Good
There’s something energizing about spring. It’s the season of doing things differently. And starting small—like shopping at a local market—can ripple into something bigger. It’s one way to feel more grounded, connected, and in control of what ends up on your plate.
Silver City Farmers Market. Silver City NM. No model releases obtained, public space.
Ready to spring into action? New Mexico is home to more than 60 farmers’ markets, plus additional mobile markets, CSA’s, and locally grown food sold at grocery stores. Use our Find-A-Market tool to discover fresh, seasonal food near you. With so many options across the state, your next favorite food stop might be right down the road.
