Farm-to-institution in the Southwest

An evaluation of the New Mexico Grown Meat Pilot Program

Abstract

The 2022 New Mexico legislative session intro­duced meat products (beef, bison, pork, and lamb/mutton) to New Mexico (NM) Grown, the state local food procurement program, and led to the development of the Meat Pilot Program (MPP). Implemented in fiscal year (FY) 2023, the MPP allowed 148 NM Grown buyers (primary and secondary [K–12] schools, early childhood and senior centers, and food banks) to purchase local meat products from 28 New Mexico-based suppliers (producers, processors, food hubs, and distributors) to provide to priority populations. Given the lack of research on meat-to-institution programs, a cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted to examine MPP participation, successes and barriers, and perceived impacts from the perspectives of buyers, suppliers, and stakeholders. Twenty-eight individuals representing 39 buyers (26%) and 14 meat suppliers (50%) completed a survey; 11 buy­ers, suppliers, and stakeholders participated in 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 gave ranchers and suppliers an important economic opportunity (100%) and improved recipients’ diet and meal quality (89%). Qualitative data further indicated satisfaction with culturally relevant meats and yielded suggestions such as providing more supplier information to buyers, expanding market­ing and outreach to engage eligible suppliers that did not participate, and organizing meetings and networking events to connect participating organi­zations and build community and trust. The MPP provided an important economic opportunity for New Mexico meat operations such as small-scale family farms and ranches, producer cooperatives, local food hubs, and small and midsize processors to access new local markets. The MPP was also well received by NM Grown buyers. Additional research on meat-to-institution initiatives is needed to fully understand the impacts of connecting sup­pliers providing culturally relevant sources of high-quality protein to priority populations.