by Kufre McIver
Policy Fellow
April 30, 2026

New Mexico’s leaders have long understood that our communities need support when faced with rising costs or sudden changes in employment or finances. In the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers, advocates, and community members secured crucial funding to fight food insecurity and improve housing affordability in New Mexico. While federal cuts have threatened the support programs our families and children rely on, our state legislature passed family-focused investments that will keep food on the table for households across the state.

HB 2, this year’s budget bill, included important allocations towards agriculture, nutrition, and housing policies that will address the rising cost of living and improve affordability across the state. First, New Mexicans can look forward to an expanded Double Up Food Bucks program that now covers meat, eggs, and dairy raised in-state, which will give families on SNAP more nutritious options when they’re shopping for groceries. WIC and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs also received funding in the budget to ensure that New Mexicans who need extra support to access healthy food get it.

The budget bill also continues funding new programs that focus on addressing food insecurity across New Mexico. $2 million was appropriated to the Healthy Food Financing Fund, which supports the development of new technologies that improve our agricultural system long term and increase the longevity of local food producers. $2 million was also appropriated to the Regional Farm to Foodbanks Program, which helps deliver fresh produce directly to families living in food deserts. Consistent investments in both programs will strengthen our food system from farm to table and ensure all our children have the healthy, nutritious meals they need to thrive.

Finally, housing received increased attention this year as rising housing costs and increased living expenses have made it harder for New Mexico families to find a safe and affordable place to raise a child. The New Homes for New Mexico Program (HB 200) will invest $10 million in a new down payment assistance program that will provide up to $50,000 for first-time home buyers who purchase newly-developed starter homes in New Mexico. This extra money will make it easier for families to move into their first home, increase their long-term financial stability, and give their children the opportunity to build generational wealth.

What Else Can New Mexico Do to Address Affordability?

While New Mexico has made progress towards addressing affordability for families and children, there is still more work to be done. New Mexico should continue to fill in funding gaps from federal cuts to SNAP so families don’t lose food assistance, and children have the nutrition they need to learn and grow. In addition, New Mexico’s congressional delegation should continue to advocate for a restoration of federal funding and hunger-relief programs through the reauthorization of a strong farm bill. Lastly, New Mexico should update our zoning laws to allow residential construction in commercially zoned areas and provide new funding to the Housing Trust Fund, which will help address housing access and affordability and improve the housing market for renters and home buyers.