The NMFMA offers noncompetitive grants of up to $500 to member markets in their second year of operation in or adjacent to areas with high obesity/diabetes rates, Food Deserts and FAR Communities. These grants are intended to assist with the start-up costs of opening a market and may be used for any expenses relating to building the capacity of the market, such as signage, an information table, buying a fire extinguisher or hand washing station, etc.
Up to $500 is available for second-year markets.
To be eligible to receive this funding, markets must be in their second year of operation and members in good standing of the NMFMA. This includes paying membership dues, submitting the market's membership form by May 1st, and providing the previous season's market data by December 31st.
Additionally, markets MUST be located in an area with one of the following qualifications:
in or adjacent to a "food desert"
in a Far and Remote (FAR) Community
in an area with a higher-than-average rate of obesity/diabetes
To find out if your market is located in one of these areas, go to:
For Food Desert designations: The Food Access Research Atlas. Click on the map and zoom in to New Mexico, then click on your county (or click "Find Address" on the top of the map and enter your market's location). If your area is in a food desert, the pop-up tract summary will say "yes." Your market may also be adjacent to an area with "food desert" designation.
For FAR Community designations: Frontier and Remote Area Codes. You will then want to download the Excel sheet containing FAR codes and related data by zip code. Search for the zip code in which your market is located. If a (1) appears on any level, your market qualifies.
For obesity designations: Obesity Rates Among Adults by County. Find your county on the map. If the obesity rate is higher than 28% (the New Mexico average), your market qualifies.
Complete the Second Year Grant Application and mail to:
NMFMA
1919 Fifth Street, Suite H
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
(If you have problems downloading the Second Year Grant Application form or accessing any of the above resources, email or call us and we will be happy to assist you!)
Payment: Expenses are generally paid on a reimbursement basis. If your market is not able to cover the upfront costs, you may have the vendor bill the NMFMA directly. Please contact the NMFMA in advance so that we know to expect the bill. We like to receive these bills promptly to maintain good relations with vendors.
Documentation: The following documents must be submitted along with your request for reimbursement:
Invoice from the vendor
Proof of payment, such as a cleared check, credit card receipt, or credit card statement
Deadlines: Grant applications MUST be received by April 1st of a member market's second year of operation (exceptions are possible). We prefer to provide reimbursements in one or two payments. All funds must be spent and submitted for reimbursement by November 15th of the year awarded, unless prior arrangements have been made.made.
Resources for Member Markets:
Starting & Sustaining Farmers' Markets
