La Semilla ensures that nutritious and locally-grown food is given consideration in public, comprehensive, and strategic planning processes. We help advocate for policies that make sense — that help address the root causes of hunger and inequitable food access while creating local economic opportunities. Our work includes hosting civic engagement workshops and listening to families about what is most urgently needed in our community. We grow, support, and learn from a robust network of food system activists and advocates
La Semilla understands that hunger is an issue of injustice and systemic racism, ableism, classism, and misogyny. Empowered community members are essential in building a new food system where elected officials and allied institutional partners take their cues from those most impacted by historical divestment, extraction, and the resulting food scarcity. We cultivate relationships and strengthen networks rooted in mutual learning and collaboration, facilitating coalitions like the Mesilla Valley Food Policy Council that advocate for public policies and planning strategies that promote equitable access to good food for all people, ultimately building strong and thriving communities.
To find out more information on this initiative please visit our page dedicated to providing information related to the HFFI.
The Mesilla Valley Food Policy Council (MVFPC) is a coalition of government officials, nonprofit leaders, private businesses, and community representatives who collaborate to evaluate and improve our local food system while acting as a forum for food issues and a platform for coordinated action. The MVFPC’s mission is to improve the availability of safe, nutritious, and sustainably grown food at reasonable prices for all residents, cultivating the natural connection between food, health, and local economic development.
The MVFPC has two working groups: Healthy Food Access and Urban Agriculture. The Healthy Food Access group focuses on creating an action plan to increase investment in healthy food outlets in food apartheid areas in Doña Ana County. The Urban Agriculture group is currently implementing the policy recommendations of the 2016 Las Cruces Urban Agriculture and Food Policy Plan.
The Mesilla Valley has a long and brutal history of agricultural production. The famous Hatch Green Chiles, for example, rely on exploiting people who migrate north for work. For a 50-pound bucket of chile, a farmworker is paid $0.75 on average. Food plays an integral, joyful role in our culture. Its production and distribution should not be the cause of human rights violations and abuse.
Interest in urban agriculture activities have been growing in Las Cruces and across the region as a way to build community, increase access to good food, and support small-scale farmers. Growing food in the city can act as a bridge between the rural and urban while bringing to life the stories of our collective history and painting a vibrant picture of our future. At the same time, it’s important to be aware of who has access to land for Urban Agriculture, who is running and participating in community gardens, and who has access to locally grown food as urban farming too often is co-opted and used as a tool for gentrification.
There are numerous documented health, community, and economic benefits associated with urban agriculture. The City of Las Cruces’ Comprehensive, Strategic, and Sustainability plans prioritize supporting urban agriculture initiatives. To that end, the MVFPC and other committed partners are supporting:
Adopt-a-Pot. Adopt a planter in downtown Las Cruces to help beautify and encourage edible landscaping in the City.
City of Las Cruces Community Gardens. Community gardens are a great way to increase access to fresh produce in city neighborhoods. The City of Las Cruces community garden program has grown significantly in the past 5 years and now includes 4 city operated community gardens.
Domestic Animal Ordinance. The City of Las Cruces passed an updated ordinance in 2014 that permits chickens, goats, and other small livestock in the City.
Farmers and Crafts Market of Las Cruces. Established in 1971, this is one of the oldest and largest farmers’ markets in the Southwest. In 2011, it was rated as the #1 Large Farmers Market in the Nation by America’s Farmland Trust.
Lush and Lean Workshops. Each year the Water Conservation Program hosts a series of workshops on water-wise landscaping, irrigation, gardening, and related topics. The workshops are free and open to the public.
La Semilla Food Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization incorporated in New Mexico and Texas.
101 East Joy Drive,
Anthony, NM 88021
P.O.Box 2579
Anthony, NM 88021