2025 Legislative Priorities
Our Legislative Priorities Support our Vision that Everyone has Enough to Eat.

INVEST IN NEW MEXICO'S FOOD BANKS

  • Pass a state budget with $30 million dedicated to New Mexico’s five food banks, with $10 million to be distributed annually over the next three years.
  • Roadrunner Food Bank will receive approximately $6.25 million each year.
  • Food banks serve all 33 counties. Funds will support expanded distribution for food bank partners and programs, additional food purchases, and increase cold storage in food deserts.

LAUNCH FOOD IS MEDICINE PROGRAM

  • Fund the NM Health Care Authority (HCA) to start a Food is Medicine program using their 1115 Medicaid Waiver. Funds support program infrastructure to ensure success and Food is Medicine sustainability.
  • New Mexico will unlock federal matching funds if the legislature invests $14.8 million in food and $3.2 million in infrastructure through the HFA to launch the program.
  • The program will provide nutritious food and support to more than 2,400 pregnant women and more than 3,000 homebound seniors with health conditions like diabetes. Food banks and our partners will play a key role in ensuring individuals receive healthy foods.

ENSURE QUALIFIED NEW MEXICANS RECEIVE TIMELY SNAP AND HEALTH CARE BENEFITS

  • The NM Health Care Authority Income Support Division must have proper funding to ensure New Mexicans who qualify can access SNAP benefits and health care when needed. The proposed funding cuts will jeopardize staffing levels and risk those who qualify to receive their benefit(s) timely.
  • Require the NM Health Care Authority (HCA) to consistently develop an annual statewide outreach plan for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
  • Statewide plans and applications unlock federal funding and increase enrollment for qualifying New Mexicans.

MODERNIZE THE ANTI-DONATION CLAUSE

  • Update the outdated Anti-Donation Clause as it is currently written in the New Mexico Constitution.
  • The clause prevents state and local governments from directly funding nonprofits, creating roadblocks for essential funding and services in areas such as food security, infrastructure, and disaster assistance.

CONTINUE UNIVERSAL SCHOOL MEALS

  • Healthy Universal School Meals passed in 2023 ensuring students in New Mexico have free breakfast and lunch each day at school.
  • Renewed funding is necessary each legislative session to continue the program and ensure all kids have easy access to healthy meals every day they are in school.

INVEST IN LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS

  • Invest $430,000 in the NM Grown Approved Supplier Program (ASP) which connects farmers, ranchers, and producers to institutions such as food banks, childcare centers, and senior centers.
  • Appropriate $3.4 million to the Healthy Food Financing Fund (HFFF) to provide financial tools and technical assistance to help grow and distribute local, healthy food in rural and underserved communities.
  • Support the Regional Farm to Food Bank Program which uses ASP to buy food at fair prices from farmers and ranchers to distribute the items through the food bank network across the state.

EXPAND REFUNDABLE TAX CREDITS

  • Increase State Child Tax Credit (CTC) for children under six to better support families and reduce food insecurity.
  • Consider offering the Child Tax Credit in monthly or quarterly payments for more consistent financial support throughout the year.
  • Families in New Mexico who have previously received the federal Child Tax Credit in monthly payments reported lower rates of food insecurity and used the program to cover essential expenses.

JOIN US FEBRUARY 21!

For Hunger Action Day at the Capitol

It's Happening Friday, February 21

Join us for the second Hunger Action Day in Santa Fe. Be a part of lending your voice to help overlooked communities this legislative session. Contact Jason Riggs at 505.349.8833 or jason@rrfb.org to learn more.

ROADRUNNER'S COALITION

to End Hunger

JOIN US TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Learn more about Roadrunner Food Bank’s Coalition to End Hunger. Sign up to be an advocate and give a voice to overlooked communities!

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LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

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