NM Food Pathways Grant Program

Learn about New Mexico’s Food, Hunger & Agriculture Program, supporting food security, agriculture innovation, and community-based hunger solutions statewide. Home Grants NM Food Pathways Grant Program NM Food Pathways Grant Program The NM Food Pathways Grant Program helps New Mexico food retailers and community food organizations strengthen their operations and expand access to healthy, affordable and locally sourced foods. The program supports practical, implementation‑ready projects that improve how staple and perishable foods are stored, handled and sold — especially in and underserved communities. Through this grant opportunity, businesses and organizations can invest in upgrades that make an immediate impact, such as improved refrigeration and cold storage, better merchandising and display equipment, food safety enhancements, and tools that support SNAP access. The goal is simple: help local food retailers thrive while making it easier for New Mexicans to find nutritious foods close to home. Submit full application (invite only) Jump to application considerations Watch the informational webinar Project focus areas Eligible projects typically focus on strengthening healthy food retail and expanding access to nutritious, affordable foods in underserved communities. Priority consideration is given to projects that advance: Expanded access to healthy, affordable staple foods ( what’s a staple food? Improved economic viability of rural and community-based food retailers including small grocers, cooperative markets, mobile markets, and other community-serving retail models. Increased SNAP-authorized retail capacity helping more retailers accept SNAP and strengthening equitable food purchasing options for households. Enhanced cold food safety infrastructure supporting proper merchandising of perishable foods in and to retail environments. Program priorities The NM Food Pathways Grant Program gives competitive preference to projects that: Dixon Co-Op Demonstrate readiness for near-term implementation Strengthen long-term retail operational capacity and sustainability Deliver clear, measurable improvements in food access for otherwise low‑access communities Emphasize increasing the availability of locally produced foods Maximize impact through practical, implementation-ready investments rather than general infrastructure development Application Considerations Application reference form (for review only) FY27 Grant FAQ Eligibility/Ineligibility Funding levels Reimbursement structure & compliance Timeline How to apply Need assistance? The NM Food Pathways Grant Program anticipates awarding approximately $500,000 through a limited number of competitive grants. Applicants may apply within one of the following funding tiers: $25,000 $50,000 $100,000 Funding requests should align with the demonstrated impact of the proposed project. The NM Food Pathways Grant Program operates as a reimbursement‑based funding program. Grant agreements, vendor onboarding steps (including W‑9 submission), and reimbursement instructions will be provided after awards are issued. Awardees must submit supporting documentation for all approved expenses before reimbursement can be processed. Because this program is supported through federal Healthy Food Financing Initiative–aligned funding streams, all projects must comply with applicable federal and state requirements, including environmental review when required. Federal funds governed by HFFI follow the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), which outlines the rules for monitoring federally supported grant activities.

Eligible projects typically focus on strengthening healthy food retail and expanding access to nutritious, affordable foods in underserved communities. Priority consideration is given to projects that advance: Expanded access to healthy, affordable staple foods ( what’s a staple food?