Regional Farm to Food Bank Program

New Mexico State University (NMSU) is soliciting proposals for its Regional Farm to Food Bank (RF2FB) Program for fiscal year 2027. This program aims to address food insecurity in New Mexico by purchasing food from local producers, with a focus on small to mid-sized, veteran, young, and beginning farmers and ranchers. The procured food will be distributed through food banks and nonprofit partners to underserved communities statewide, thereby strengthening the state's food systems and supporting local producer viability. The scope of work involves the procurement, aggregation, storage, and distribution of locally and regionally produced foods. Allowable uses of funds include local food purchasing, distribution logistics, producer support, and program administration. The budget for this program is not to exceed $1,904,762.00, with the majority allocated to food purchases and distribution. Proposals must detail how the scope of work will be accomplished, including a work plan, responsible personnel, timeline, and outreach methods. Applicants must also specify whether they can service the entire state or a specific region. Eligible entities include private non-profit organizations, public entities, tribal entities, and food banks. All products must meet the definition of locally or regionally produced food and utilize the New Mexico Grown Approved Supplier Program. The program also requires collaboration with local and regional producers, food banks, and nonprofit feeding programs, and necessitates the use of the digital buyer/seller platform, Path to Plate. Successful applicants must comply with all applicable state, tribal, and local food safety regulations and maintain accurate financial records, submitting monthly invoices and progress reports, as well as a final report at the end of the fiscal year.