New Mexicans have more time to complete a survey by a group of researchers from New Mexico State University and the University of New Mexico on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the food system, food access and affordability in the state.

The new survey deadline is June 26. The survey was originally developed by a research team at the University of Vermont and Johns Hopkins University, and adapted for New Mexico to better understand the impact of the global pandemic on food security and access among New Mexicans.

Stephanie Rogus, assistant professor of Human Nutrition and Dietetic Science in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at NMSU and principal investigator of the research project, said the coronavirus outbreak has resulted in the loss of countless jobs and reduction in work hours, which means new groups of people may be experiencing food insecurity. It has also highlighted vulnerabilities in the food system.

"For example, hoarding has reduced food access for others and food pantries in the state have experienced increased demand amidst inconsistent food supply and increased food prices," Rogus said. "The information from the survey will be important for policymakers and community organizations to respond to the needs of New Mexicans as they redirect policy priorities and resources to get food to the people who need it. The responses of all New Mexicans are important in this effort."

The survey is open to New Mexico residents 18 and older. The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete, and participants will be entered into a raffle to win one of 50 $25 grocery store gift cards. The researchers' goal is to reach as many people in New Mexico as possible in order to understand how residents are responding to the pandemic, how the food system has been affected, and additional needs in order to inform pandemic-related policy efforts.

The survey may be accessed in English at https://foodaccessandsecurityenglish.questionpro.com, or in Spanish at https://acesnmsu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_87VroW6YXbFqqyx. More information may also be found at the survey's Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/New-Mexico-Survey-Impacts-of-the-Coronavirus-on-Food-Security-and-Access-105470201150461/.

For questions or more information, contact Rogus at srogus@nmsu.edu or 817-253-9624.