On September 20, nearly 60 community members, food experts, University of New Mexico (UNM) researchers, and City of Albuquerque staff attended the International District (ID) Food System Kickoff event. The initiative was led by District 6 City Councilor Nichole L. Rogers in collaboration with UNM Sustainability Studies researchers and local food specialists.
The kickoff event aimed to address issues related to food insecurity and promote food enterprise opportunities within the International District. Organizers also discussed efforts to foster food sovereignty, launch a new ID Growers Market, and form an ID Food Policy Council. These initiatives are based on previous work conducted by Councilor Rogers’ Food Systems Working Group, which has reviewed several studies and policy briefs from earlier community-driven projects.
“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.”
A City Council District 6 Food System Map was created by UNM student Hope Smith in partnership with the working group before the event. This map highlights grocery stores, pantries, markets, community gardens, compost sites, and other locations relevant to the district’s food system. It will serve as a resource for the soon-to-be-convened Food Policy Council.
During the meeting, participants divided into six breakout groups focused on various parts of the ID food system—including local production, processing, and distribution—and each group proposed a top action item for consideration by the new council.
“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 at UNM who coordinated much of this work prior 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.”
Once established at a date yet to be determined, the Food Policy Council will focus first on recommendations identified as immediately actionable both by prior working group discussions and by input from breakout groups at this event.
Among these priorities are: requesting state capital outlay funds for constructing a commercial kitchen with cold storage; updating city zoning laws through amendments that would make it easier for bodegas—small neighborhood grocery stores—to operate; creating micro-grant programs for small growers; advocating for SNAP subsidies in vulnerable zip codes; and seeking increased funding for programs like Double Up Food Bucks that help SNAP recipients purchase fresh produce.
“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 UNM’s Sustainability Studies Program.
Those interested in staying informed about these initiatives are encouraged to join an email list dedicated to updates on International District Food Systems activities.
