CONTACT: Pam Roy
Executive Director
Farm to Table
505-660-8404
pam@farmtotablenm.org
Helen Henry
Communications Director
Farm to Table
505-204-6182
helen@farmtotablenm.org
New Mexico Food & Farms Day
SANTA FE, NM, January 24, 2020 – The New Mexico Food and Agriculture Policy Council (NMFAPC) and partners announce New Mexico Food & Farms Day, February 6 from 8:00am – 12:00pm at the State Capitol. New Mexico Food & Farms Day celebrates the efforts of individuals, communities, organizations, and agencies in creating a thriving
local food, farming and ranching economy, while at the same time emphasizing that everyone in the state should have access to fresh, healthy, nutritional food. This event is held in conjunction with School Nutrition Day. This year we are focusing on the intersections between health and economic well-being in our communities and ending hunger. New Mexico Food & Farms Day legislative sponsors are Representatives Gail Armstrong, Rebecca Dow, Rep. Joanne Ferrary, and Senators Pete Campos, Shannon Pinto, and Senator Linda Lopez.
The Day begins at 8:00am with tables for organizations providing information about their work in the East Hall of History. From 9:00-10:00am the Local Food and Farm to School Awards will take place in the Rotunda featuring Awardees in five categories. Speakers at the ceremony include Lt. Governor Howie Morales, Patty Keene of the Governor’s office, Susan Wilger and Helga Garza from the NMFAPC, the NM School Nutrition Association, and members of the Hunger Caucus, a statewide coalition to address food insecurity. Presenting the awards are the Honorable Ryan Stewart, Secretary of Education, the Honorable Jeff Witte, Secretary of Agriculture, Senator Linda Lopez, and Senator Shannon Pinto. See Agenda.
This year’s Local Food and Farm to School Awards and Awardees More information available.
New Mexico Grown Award – Celebrating Best Practices in School Nutrition
Adele Balesh and Antonio Carrasco accepting for Gadsden Independent School District Student Nutrition Program
Dona Aña County and Southern Otero County
Seeding the Future Award for Best Farm To School Practices
Joy Bobelu, Mark Archuleta Sr. and Mark Archuleta Jr. accepting for Zuni Public School District
Zuni Pueblo
Good Food for New Mexico Award – Celebrating Farmers’ Markets
Phillip and Kathleen Box accepting for Tucumcari Farmers’ Market
Quay County
Sowing Change Award for Organizations Engaged in Creating Sustainable Food Systems
Helga Garza accepting for Agri-Cultura Network
Bernalillo County
Heart of the Land Award for Outstanding Leadership in Farming and Ranching
Honoring Dorothy Bitsilly
Navajo Nation
New Mexico Food & Farms Day provides an opportunity to highlight the intersection between health, sustainable food systems, and the economic health of our farms and ranches. It also speaks to the ways we are working together to increase affordable and healthful food access. It addresses the idea that thriving food systems encourage entrepreneurship and leadership, and reinforces the benefits of cooperation and coordination along with the intersection of informed policy making.
The New Mexico Food and Agriculture Policy Council and statewide partners represent a diverse group of organizations and individuals who are invested in the future of agriculture in New Mexico and support the efforts of local farmers to reach local markets. An important focus of our effort is to advocate for policies which facilitate bringing more fresh fruits and vegetables into schools.
New Mexico Food & Farms Day and the Local Food and Farm to School Awards are coordinated by Farm to Table.
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