SANTA FE — Today, the New Mexico Economic Development Department announced $275,000 in grants to eight businesses and organizations expanding food access in underserved communities across the state. 

The funding comes through the Healthy Food Financing Fund, part of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's Food Initiative, and targets projects addressing food insecurity while promoting economic development in the agricultural sector. 

"These projects are part of a growing food value chain network that will ultimately strengthen our state's food ecosystem," EDD Cabinet SecretaryRob Black said. "Supporting their success will increase access to healthy food for families across New Mexico."

The grants, ranging from $25,000 to $50,000, are administered by the department's Food, Hunger and Agricultural program in partnership with Vida Mejor Capital.

 Three organizations received $50,000 each:

A & M Meat Processing in Alamogordo, a female-owned business serving 190 local farmers.

Frontier Food Hub in Silver City, which distributes food from over 45 farmers and ranchers.

The Little Store #2 in Chaparral, which provides essential groceries and supports local schools, churches, and community events.

 Five organizations received $25,000 each:

Ashokra Farm in Albuquerque, a 1.5-acre vegetable farm specializing in culturally significant okra.

Metate Mill in Questa, a grain processing facility that converts locally grown wheat into flour for bakers, markets, and schools.

Ogallala Commons in Clovis, a nonprofit revitalizing rural communities through food system development and value-based supply chain coordination.

Prickly Pear Food Co-op in Truth or Consequences, a member-owned, volunteer-run cooperative.

Seed & Bloom in Santa Fe, a nonprofit offering horticulture and culinary training to incarcerated individuals. 

 Projects include expanding fresh food inventory, upgrading food-safe infrastructure, installing cold storage, implementing systems to accept nutrition assistance benefits, and replacing essential refrigeration equipment. They aim to help underserved communities access food, improve job training, enhance market access for small farms, improve food storage and transportation, and promote sustainable farming practices.

To read a description of each of these programs, please visit the Healthy Food Financing Fund webpage at www.edd.newmexico.gov/HFFF.