Evelyn Schiller stands behind produce at the Downtown Growers’ Market in Albuquerque on Oct. 24, 2025. The expected SNAP halt on Nov. 1, 2025 will leave the farm without a major revenue stream and low-income families with less access to nutritious food, Schiller said. (Patrick Lohmann/Source NM)
New Mexico farmers and the manager of the state’s biggest farmers’ market say they are dreading the market this Saturday morning, which will coincide with an expected halt to a food assistance program on which approximately 460,000 New Mexicans rely.
Farmers’ markets across the state are popular with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients, because many vendors accept SNAP and also participate in SNAP “Double Up Food Bucks.” That program allows SNAP recipients to double their SNAP dollars so long as they buy fresh fruits, vegetables and plant starters. The program aims to spur healthy eating, particularly among low-income families, while also helping local farmers…