Albuquerque City Councilor Nichole Rogers Partners with UNM Sustainability Studies Researchers and International District Food Experts to Co-Host International District Food Systems Kickoff Event

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – On Saturday, September 20, close to 60 ID community members, food experts, UNM researchers, and City of Albuquerque staff gathered for the International District (ID) Food System Kickoff. The event, spearheaded by District 6 City Councilor Nichole L. Rogers, marked the official launch of a collaborative effort to address food insecurity, create food enterprise opportunities, foster food sovereignty within the International District, plan for the launch of the new ID Growers Market, and plan for the convening of a new ID Food Policy Council. The content of the Kickoff was largely based upon the work that has already been done by Councilor Rogers’ Food Systems Working Group, which has been reviewing a wide variety of studies, plans, and policy briefs that have come out of previously conducted ID community-driven food initiatives.

"I am incredibly grateful to everyone who attended our ID Food Systems Kickoff Powerpoint Presentation," said Councilor Rogers. "It's clear that our community has been working together to build a more resilient and equitable food future, and now is the time to meet them with the resources they need to take action. The energy and engagement are inspiring, and the insights we’ve received on how to improve our food systems were invaluable.”

The City Council District 6 Food System Map, was created by UNM student Hope Smith, who worked with Councilor Rogers’ Food Systems Working Group leading up to the Kickoff on September 20.  This map, which outlines the locations of various types of grocery stores, pantries, markets, community gardens, composts, and other locations that make up the ID food system, will be used by the new Food Policy Council to support their work when they begin convening.

Meeting Outcomes and Next Steps

The meeting convened six breakout groups among attendees working in various parts of the ID food system where attendees discussed a wide range of topics, focused on local food production, processing, and distribution.  Each of the breakout groups then recommended one of their top action items for the Food Policy Council to pursue in their work moving forward. The Food Policy Council's next steps will be guided by the most immediately actionable recommendations that came out of the ID Food Systems’ Working Group as well as the recommendations that came out of the Kickoff’s breakout groups.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to meet so many incredible people working in the city to better the lives of their neighbors,” said Esther Hewitt, a graduate student in Latin American Studies at UNM, who coordinated the work of the Food Systems Working Group leading up to the Kickoff.  “The depth of compassion, care, determination, and innovation I've observed during this process has been truly inspiring. As we continue to listen and support each other through community, I am hopeful for ongoing progress and meaningful change.”

The Food Policy Council will begin pursuing the community’s top and most immediately actionable priorities as soon as the Council convenes (still to be determined). These priorities include:

• Requesting State Capital Outlay Funds to construct a commercial kitchen with cold storage and a food processing area, a key piece of infrastructure to support local food entrepreneurs and growers that will be vending at the new Growers Market.
• Updating city zoning laws to officially permit bodegas, an amendment to the City’s Integrated Development Ordinance that would allow small, neighborhood-scale grocery/convenience stores to operate more easily and provide fresh food options in underserved areas. Community members are encouraged to show their support for this important policy at the Environmental Planning Commission meeting on October 28th at 8:40 AM.
• Creating a Small Grower Micro-Grant Program to provide financial support to local growers and gardeners, helping to boost food production within the ID.
• Advocating for SNAP subsidies in the most vulnerable zip codes and securing more funding for the Double Up Food Bucks program, which doubles SNAP recipients buying power for more fresh fruits and vegetables.

“The Food Policy Council creates an innovative, new space where community voices and stakeholders work side by side with the Council Office to imagine, design, and advance a more just and sustainable food system,” said Andreas Hernandez, Director of the UNM Sustainability Studies Program who will help convene the Food Policy Council.

If you would like to stay updated on this initiative moving forward, please complete the following form to get on our email list: International District Food Systems Email List Registration Form