Farm to Table helps growers, supports children and seniors in need

 
The El Valle Community Center is launching a Farm to Table initiative that will link farmers from the El Valle region with local residents in need, especially seniors and children enrolled in supplemental food programs. Utilizing grant funds provided by the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association, the initiative will support the purchase of locally grown produce and re-distribute it at low or no cost to residents experiencing hardship. The goal is to make fresh, nutritious food available to the neediest in the community, while simultaneously supporting agricultural producers during this economically difficult period.  
 
This project will directly benefit the community along both health and economic sectors. Access to locally produced foods can improve health outcomes in participants by elevating the nutritional value of meals and improving diets. The nutritional quality of fresh local foods also supports healthy child development, increasing learning capacity and raising school performance. Support for farmers will provide baseline economic stability within farming households and increase the self-efficacy and self-sufficiency of the community overall. 
 
Distribution dates and locations are still being determined. To register for the produce box distribution, visit the Farm to Table program webpage on the El Valle Community Center website. Download and complete a registration form and mail to the address on the form.
 If you are a farmer and are interested in participating in the program, email us at community@elvallecenter.org or leave a voicemail at 575-421-0808.