Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
The Tucumcari-based TableTop Cooperative recently learned it will receive a nearly $25,000 grant to buy a walk-in cooler and other equipment so it can set up a food hub in the region.
The New Mexico Economic Development Department last week announced a total of 21 Healthy Food Financing Awards worth $950,000 to help increase food security in the state and in underserved communities.
The state agency stated the TableTop food hub “will enhance processing and storage capabilities, facilitating improved community food access and fostering agricultural growth in the region.”
David White, president of the TableTop organization, was elated about the grant.
“After eight years, the TableTop is starting to bloom,” he said. “It’s going to make us the food hub of eastern New Mexico.”
The TableTop Cooperative is a group of local farmers and ranchers dedicated to creating a sustainable food source in Quay County and revitalizing the agricultural sector in the region.
Dee Henson, coordinator of TableTop, said equipment earmarked from the $24,740.03 grant must be ordered by June. The state also must approve a memorandum of understanding between TableTop and La Casa Verde, a florist and plant nursery in Tucumcari.
Henson said the walk-in cooler and other equipment such as stainless steel racks and sinks to process produce from La Casa Verde and other local growers will be placed in the back of the La Casa Verde property.
Food processed there will be distributed to communities in Quay, De Baca, Guadalupe, Union and Curry counties.
TableTop will participate in the New Mexico Grown program, which means all its food producers must hail from New Mexico.
Henson said TableTop also is in line for a possible $42,000 state grant that will enhance its food processing capabilities.
She said the organization may learn it will receive that grant as soon as mid-March.
“These innovative and impactful projects demonstrate the potential to amplify New Mexico’s overall food system resiliency,” Food, Hunger and Agriculture Program manager Erin Ortigoza stated in a news release. “These initiatives are part of an ever-growing food value chain network committed to strengthening New Mexico’s food ecosystem and implementation will result in increased access to healthy food for vulnerable populations.”