Fresh food reaches Harding and Union Counties 

Partnership delivers 10,000 pounds of local produce to rural communities 

SANTA FE – A partnership between state health officials, local farmers, and food banks delivered 10,000 pounds of fresh produce to more than 800 families in Harding and Union Counties this week. 

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program partnered with the Santa Fe Farmers Institute, The Food Depot food bank and Golden Spread food pantry to support rural and frontier families in northeastern New Mexico. The Food Depot provided transport support when the load exceeded the capacity of NMDOH’s new refrigerated truck.  

“This produce delivery came at the perfect time for our rural communities. Food pantries like Golden Spread work directly with families and seniors who know just how important nutrition is, especially when access to local fresh food is limited.” said Veronica Griego, NMDOH Farmers’ Market Programs Manager. “It also strengthens New Mexico’s farmers and keeps our local food economy thriving.”

“Our community was incredibly eager to receive fresh produce – it’s not something we get often, especially in this kind of volume and variety,” said Rusty Kohler, project manager of the Golden Spread Rural Frontier Coalition. “Seeing their excitement and gratitude shows how important it is to keep bringing fresh, local food to our rural communities.” 

This week’s delivery is one of the largest fresh produce deliveries to the region to date. Since opening its Community Food Pantry in May 2025, Golden Spread has experienced remarkable growth, serving 287 households in May, 972 in June, and 1,443 in July. Of current participants, approximately 577 are seniors and elders, with 866 other community members. 

Each box of New Mexico-grown produce keeps dollars circulating locally, supports small and mid-sized farms, and provides fresher, more nutritious food compared to store-bought options. 

Funding for the purchase and delivery of the produce is part of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Food, Farm and Hunger Initiative which includes NMDOH, the New Mexico Health Care Authority and New Mexico Aging Services.  

To find a food pantry in your area, contact the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).