Sustaining Local Food Systems: An Evaluation of the New Mexico Grown FY23 Meat Pilot Program

This evaluation examined successes, barriers and impacts of the New Mexico (NM) Grown Fiscal Year 2023 Meat Pilot Program (MPP). Programs connecting local food producers to community-based organizations may benefit consumers, organizations and the environment. The MPP included NM-based meat producers, processors, food hubs and distributors meeting approved supplier requirements (suppliers) and NM Grown buyers [K-12 schools, early childhood and senior centers, food banks (buyers)]. MPP suppliers, buyers and stakeholders were eligible to participate in this evaluation. The 2022 NM legislative session introduced meat (beef, bison, pork, lamb/mutton) into NM Grown, the state's local food procurement program. This led to the MPP, allowing NM Grown buyers to purchase local meat products from suppliers for the first time to provide to vulnerable populations including children, the elderly and food bank clients. A mixed-methods evaluation, including online surveys, interviews and focus groups, was conducted in fall 2023 by researchers and the NM Farmers’ Marketing Association to examine MPP participation, successes and barriers, and broad impacts. During the MPP, approximately 72% of 148 NM Grown buyers purchased meat from 28 approved suppliers. Nineteen percent of buyers (n=28) and 50% of suppliers (n=14) completed a survey; 11 buyers, suppliers, and stakeholders completed an interview or focus group. Most suppliers and buyers were satisfied with the MPP (92% and 85%, respectively) and 100% indicated they would participate again. Most buyers agreed the MPP provided ranchers and suppliers an important economic opportunity (100%), improved users’/consumers’ diet and meal quality (89%), and improved users’/consumers’ food security status (78%). Qualitative data further highlighted satisfaction with culturally-relevant meats and suggestions for continued growth. The MPP provided an important economic opportunity for local NM meat producers and was well-received by buyers including schools, early childhood and senior centers, and food banks. Connecting organizations serving vulnerable populations to local, culturally-relevant sources of high-quality protein can have positive economic, social and health impacts. New Mexico Farmers' Marketing Association (NMFMA)