La Semilla Food Center was established in 2010 as a result of community gardens, youth programs, and a commitment to transforming the food system. Since our inception, we have taught thousands of elementary and middle school students how to grow and cook fresh food while establishing a 14-acre education and demonstration farm in Anthony, New Mexico. Built on this foundation, the scope of our work and our staff have grown in exciting and impactful ways.

As an organization, La Semilla is grounded in a root-cause approach in creating and supporting a more equitable and sustainable food system in the Paso del Norte region. Our values include: justice, equity, power analysis, and the respectful stewardship of land. We prioritize centering the experiences and expertise of those most affected by harmful structures and practices within the food system. We work with—and learn from—our neighbors, elders, and youth in order to increase educational and entrepreneurial opportunities, food access, food sovereignty, and resources for our border communities. As a land-based organization, we also honor our desert ecosystem and work to challenge extractive systems that contribute to the continued degradation of our environment. We believe in the power of our relations and work with other organizations and food justice advocates in transforming our food systems beyond our region.

Through our six programs, we are committed to building robust relationships and creating empowering spaces for youth and families to grow and cook healthy and culturally-relevant food, create positive change, and foster connections among food, health, and local economies. Our Community Farm serves as a production, education, and demonstration site guided by agroecology principles. As a space for healing and creation, the farm also serves as a community space for cultural and educational projects. The Farm Fresh program offers access to fresh and local produce and products by supporting and working with partner farmers and vendors, as well leading our Food Safety training model. Education is central to all of our programs and endeavors. Our Edible Education and Community Education programs are organizational pillars working within public schools and with community organizations to provide hands-on programming and resources for youth and the broader community. Both programs focus on topics related to cooking nutritious meals, culturally and historically relevant food, gardening, ancestral knowledge, and more. Our Policy and Community Development program leads efforts to advocate for policies that address the root causes of hunger and inequitable food access while also creating local economic opportunities. Check out our program pages for more information.

Our vision of a vibrant food system that prioritizes community and environmental health also includes the crafting and centering of narratives that uplift community dignity and promote equity and justice. With our Storytelling program, we have embarked on a storytelling journey to gather and center the narratives that have existed in our communities for generations. Through respectful and relational storytelling efforts, we aim to understand our literal place in the world, name and reconcile past harms, and channel resources to support the continued creation of life-affirming food systems.

Join Us!

The role you can play in supporting and contributing to our work is paramount. Please consider using your creativity and passion to take an active role by donating, volunteering, and/or spreading awareness about our cause.