Progress 08/01/23 to 07/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience:During this reporting period, our target audience includes underserved communities in Southwest New Mexico (Hidalgo, Grant, Luna, Catron), with a particular emphasis on the Mining District (Bayard, Hurley, Santa Clara, Mimbres, San Lorenzo). This area encompasses five communities with a combined population of approximately 5,895 residents, facing a poverty rate of 25.31%. Our target audience consists of children, low-income individuals, those interested in learning more about sustainability in the food system, and individuals who have not had as many opportunities for engagement and education. By focusing on these groups, we aim to enhance their access to resources and knowledge related to food sustainability. Changes/Problems:Year one of the project was relatively smooth, and we did not experience any major hurdles or challenges. However, looking forward to completing the goals of the project, we anticipate several challenges that may arise, particularly concerning funding, capacity/staff time, and communication with the community. Funding: One of the primary challenges we foresee is securing adequate funding to complete the build-out of the Community Garden/Greenhouse Training Center site. We have made significant progress in the initial phases, but the financial resources required for the full implementation of the design are still pending. Identifying and applying for grants, as well as finding potential investors, will be essential in overcoming this hurdle. The search for funding will remain a key focus as we aim to fulfill our project objectives. Limited Capacity and Staff Time: In addition to funding, we also face limitations in our capacity and staff time. This may lead to delays in achieving our objectives. As we continue to grow, it will be essential to explore ways to enhance our capacity, whether through recruiting additional staff, training volunteers, or internship opportunities. Communication with the Community: Reaching every community member and garnering their buy-in remains a current challenge. Engaging diverse voices and ensuring that all community members feel ownership over the project is vital for the project's success. As we move forward, we anticipate that maintaining effective communication and fostering community engagement will continue to be a challenge that requires dedicated efforts and creative approaches. By focusing on these areas, we can work towards overcoming the anticipated challenges and ensure the sustainability and successful completion of our project. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?In this first year, we did not prioritize attending training; however, we have plans to actively engage in training and professional development workshops in the second year. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Updates and information related to surveys, survey results, events, mobile markets, ebt/SNAP benefits, Neighborhood Farm Stands, and workshops have been shared with the communities of interest through various channels. These include social media, local radio stations,local newspapers, flyer postings, local school district apps, direct conversations with residents, email lists, town council meetings, and local event calendars. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, we have a plan to continue progress towards our goals, focusing on several key areas: Close Mining District Survey: We plan to conclude the Mining District survey in November of 2024. Upon closing the survey, we will analyze the final results to gain a deeper understanding of the community's needs and priorities. Following the analysis, we intend to organize a community food project planning session. During the planning session, we will present the survey findings to community members and facilitate discussions to gather qualitative feedback that will ultimately guide our initiatives to better serve their needs. Enhance Food Hub Distribution Efforts: We will continue to enhance our distribution efforts by exploring new channels to reach marginalized communities. This may lead to expanding our delivery options, and collaborating with local organizations to better serve these communities. Integrate Feedback into the Design of the Community Garden/Greenhouse Training Center: After successfully developing an initial draft of the design, our next step will be to incorporate all feedback received from community members. We are committed to create a revised design that fully embodies the vision and aspirations of local residents. Pursue the construction of the greenhouse: Following the revised design, we will begin the process of pursuing the construction of the greenhouse. This includes identifying applicable funding sources and engaging contractors. Maintain relationship-building activities and community events: We plan on hosting regular community workshops, meetings, children activities, and social gatherings to strengthen our connections with residents and maintain trust. Sustain Partnerships with Existing Collaborators/Establish New Partnerships: We recognize the important role our existing partnerships play in our success and we are committed to nurturing and strengthening these relationships. Through regular check-ins and collaborative projects, we will continue to combine our efforts to reach a greater audience and can continue to contribute effectively. In addition to sustaining current partnerships, we aim to create new partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and educational institutions. These partnerships will help us expand our resources and reach within underserved communities. Implement Feedback Mechanisms for Workshops and Events: We will implement feedback mechanisms for all workshops and events. This may include surveys, suggestion boxes, or follow-up discussions to gather insights from participants. By seeking feedback, we can continuously improve our efforts to better meet the community's needs.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? NCFC has steadily advanced toward CFP goals, focusing on relationship-building as a core element. Significant effort has gone into establishing connections with community members, leaders, business owners, and other stakeholders to ensure transparency and trust. This foundational work is pivotal to long-term success, underpinning our immediate objectives while setting the stage for lasting change. Goal 1 A 9-month survey (March-November 2024) in the Mining District assesses food insecurity and gauges interest in a community garden and greenhouse training center, with workshops on food sustainability and economic resilience. Available in English and Spanish, 282 responses have been gathered to date. The project design incorporates community feedback, and a preliminary agreement has been reached with the City of Bayard for a long-term land lease for the site. Goal 2 Expanded keystone food distribution now serves Luna, Hidalgo, Catron, and Grant counties. Metrics show $570,646.56 in revenue from Food Hub sales, plus $17,583.19 from mobile markets, totaling $588,229.75. We collaborated with 19 producers and operated 45 mobile markets in the region. Goal 3 In partnership with The Commons, two neighborhood farm stands were established in the Mining District. The Bayard stand, installed in August 2023, receives produce donations twice weekly. Plans are underway for a Hurley stand at Hurley Elementary, where mobile market leftovers will also be distributed. Leftover produce also supplies the Silver City Neighborhood Farmstand. Farmstands offer a variety of free produce, including melons, greens, squash, onions, garlic, and peppers. Bayard residents have contributed produce from their gardens, supporting a community-based food exchange. Between June and July, $2,660.50 of produce was donated to these stands, increasing to $3,584.00 from August to October. Additional programs include: - Senior Box Program: Distributed 975 boxes. - Fresh Rx Program: Delivered 660 bags through partnerships with La Clinica, DOH of NM, and NMFMA. - CSA Boxes: Delivered 97 boxes, 40 of which were provided to Mining District residents. Key partners: La Clinica (Fresh RX), DOH of NM (Senior Boxes), NMFMA (Fresh RX), Village of Santa Clara (Mobile Markets), and Bayard Library (CSA distribution). Goal 4 A project steering committee of seven Mining District representatives was assembled in January 2024, including town councilors, business owners, and local parents. They initiated each project, recognized the need for a Neighborhood Farmstand, and encouraged partnerships with the Cobre Consolidated School District. Between January and July 2024, six committee meetings were held to guide these efforts. On September 19, 2024, we hosted a SWNM Food System Alliance meeting, attended by over 50 community members, including farmers, health representatives, and sustainable food advocates. Goal 5 In June 2024, a landscape architect developed a design for the community garden and greenhouse training center, featuring four hoop houses, one greenhouse, 13 raised beds, a tool shed, shade structures, and 19 fruit and nut trees. A QR code on the design collects community feedback, with plans to post this design across the community. Informational outreach on SNAP, DUFUB, SUNbucks, and senior vouchers is ongoing through social media, flyers, and mobile markets. We organized the annual Salsa Showdown on September 7th, featuring workshops on: - Water Harvesting (10 participants), - Composting Demonstration (18 participants), - Salsa Making with Kids (30 participants), - Tortilla Making (25 participants). Fourteen contestants presented their original salsa recipes, with the winning recipe receiving a licensing deal with the Frontier Food Hub, leading to the production of 500 jars through Albuquerque co-packers. The event drew about 200 attendees, featuring local music, 20 vendors, and a focus on food, culture, and community. In April 2024, the "Journey Through the Food System" program at San Lorenzo and Hurley Elementary Schools educated students on the food journey from farm to table. Six local nonprofits hosted interactive stations on topics such as composting, water conservation, and nutrition. This collaborative effort reached 100 students (grades 2-5) and fostered greater appreciation for local food systems. Upcoming events will take place in November at Bayard and Central Elementary Schools. SWNM Seed Library The Seed Library, from August 2023 to July 2024, held six workshops titled "Lettuce Grow Lettuce" and "Seed Saving Revolution," reaching 176 participants, including Mining District residents and elementary students. Free seeds are available at various locations, including The Commons, Silver City Public Library, and Bear Creek Herbs. Goal 6 We established a project steering committee and multiple feedback mechanisms, including a Mining District survey and a QR-code-enabled garden design, ensuring a community-driven, equitable, and inclusive process. Community members can participate via electronic and paper surveys at local libraries. The project addresses food insecurity in Southwest New Mexico, focusing on the Mining District, which has a 25.31% poverty rate and elevated rates of diet-related illnesses. Goals include creating a community garden and greenhouse training center, enhancing food access, strengthening connections with food sources, and advancing sustainable food practices. The primary audience encompasses residents of the Mining District communities (Bayard, Hurley, Santa Clara, Fierro, Mimbres, San Lorenzo, and Hanover), along with Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, and Catron counties. Target groups include local farmers, school districts, low-income families, and those eligible for EBT, WIC, or senior vouchers. Strategies include expanding mobile markets that accept EBT, WIC, and senior vouchers and providing free produce at Neighborhood Farmstands. Workshops on food systems and outreach ensure targeted participation from the Mining District. Major Activities Completed 1. Relaunched SWNM Food System Alliance. 2. Established a Mining District Project Steering Committee. 3. Partnered with Cobre Schools and local organizations on food sustainability programs, including the Journey Through the Food System (reaching 100 students) and Seed Library workshops (176 participants). 4. Conducted a Mining District survey with 282 responses, available in English and Spanish. 5. Drafted a community garden and greenhouse design with a QR feedback mechanism. Key Survey Results - 70% of Mining District residents identify as Hispanic or non-white. - 24% live in multigenerational households. - 74% rate their food security as a 3 or less on a scale of 1-5. - 91% support establishing a community garden/greenhouse training center. - Over 30 residents expressed interest in conducting workshops on food sustainability topics, including canning, composting, and water harvesting.? Overall Project Impact Throughout the reporting period, NCFC's collaborative approach strengthened community relationships, enhanced food distribution, and secured 50 new partnerships across schools, farmers, town councils, libraries, businesses, sponsors, and producers. These efforts resulted in successful events, improved Food Hub sales, and the establishment of new food distribution sites. Our survey exceeded response targets, providing valuable community insights, with 30+ residents interested in leading workshops on food sustainability. Bayard's farm stand has garnered community donations, reflecting a culture of support and sharing. While all initial grant goals have yet to be fully realized, significant progress has been made in the first year, laying a foundation for ongoing development.

Publications