Photo courtesy of NMFMASANTA FE, NEW MEXICO, June 30, The New Mexico Farmers' Marketing Association a
leading local food and farming nonprofit, announces the official beginning of the SNAP Double
Up Food Bucks New Mexico season. The innovative program increases access and affordability
of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables for low-income individuals and families across New
Mexico at 70 farmers' markets, farm stands, and select grocery stores statewide, with new outlets
joining the program later this summer.

Double Up Food Bucks New Mexico addresses the pressing issues of food insecurity and
nutritional disparities by providing individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP) benefits with the opportunity to double the value of their benefits at
participating local food outlets. The initiative supports families and the state's local agricultural
economies by forging a direct connection between consumers and New Mexico farmers.

Double Up Food Bucks New Mexico empowers SNAP recipients to stretch their food budgets,
enabling them to purchase twice as many fresh fruits and vegetables. For every dollar spent using
SNAP benefits at participating local food outlets, individuals will receive an additional dollar in
Double Up Food Bucks. The program encourages healthier eating choices, fosters community
Photo courtesy of NMFMAengagement, and strengthens the local agricultural sector.

While many Double Up retail partners offer program access year-round, July is when the New
Mexico agriculture season kicks into high gear, increasing the abundance of local fruits and
vegetables that are eligible for purchase. In addition to fresh New Mexico-grown produce, as of
2022 New Mexico SNAP shoppers can also purchase dried, frozen and lightly processed New
Mexico-grown fruits and vegetables (no added salt, sugar, fats, or oil). That means frozen New
Mexico chile and dried red chile is now eligible for purchase if shoppers miss the fresh chile
season.

"The growth of Double Up over the last few years has been amazing. With food budgets tighter
than ever, we're glad to see urban and rural communities throughout New Mexico embracing the
program," said Denise Miller, executive director, New Mexico Farmers' Marketing Association.
"The program is designed to make nutritious food more accessible and affordable, while
simultaneously supporting New Mexico farmers and local economies. It is an intervention that
helps feed people and strengthen our local food system."

In 2010, a pilot program launched in New Mexico with $50,000 at 11 farmers markets: During
2022, approximately SNAP shoppers purchased $3.5 million in local food through the program,
supporting more than 800 family farms. When these food dollars circulate in the local economy,
the total economic impact is more than $6.3 million.

Double Up Food Bucks New Mexico is made possible through funding from USDA NIFA, the
State of New Mexico, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the support of hundreds of
community partners. This public-private partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to
fostering healthier communities and a sustainable food system in New Mexico.

For more information on Double Up Food Bucks New Mexico, including participating outlets,
and program guidelines, visit  DoubleUpNM.org  Follow us on Facebook @ DoubleUpNM  for
updates and inspiring stories from participants.

The New Mexico Farmers' Marketing Association is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to
supporting agriculture producers and cultivating the networks that grow healthy communities.
FarmersMarketsNM.org