Goal 3: Combat Hunger and Improve Nutrition

Task 3.1: Reduce hunger and food insecurity among New Mexico’s children; reduce child and adolescent obesity and diabetes in all populations

1. Work with farmers’ markets association and EBT vendor to develop strategies that would restore SNAP recipients ability to utilize Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at farmers’ markets (opportunity lost when transition from actual "stamps" or coupons to EBT cards occurred as farmers’ markets do not generally have EBT transaction machines).
2. Continue and expand statewide marketing campaign to increase SNAP participation. "Eat Better Tomorrow, Get EBT Today!" are public service announcements (PSAs) airing on both television and radio in English and Spanish across the state through September 2006. Campaign also includes posters in offices, churches and community facilities encouraging people to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
3. Support implementation of "Breakfast for Kids" program.
4. Increase food distribution to schools, food banks, and other food distribution locations through commodities program, farm-to-school programs, etc. Increase transportation funding available from schools for transport of such food.
5. Support increase in School Lunch Program and/or Summer Food Program.
6. Increase Hunger Task Force Outreach Activities.
7. Work with Hunger Task Force to Implement "Breakfast for Kids" program.
8. Work with Hunger Task Force to Increase School Lunch Program and/or Summer Food Program.
9. Explore implementation of a common electronic card (Smart Card) for SNAP and Women Infants and Children (WIC) programs.
10. Increase participation in nutrition education program for SNAP recipients. Explore feasibility of coordination of SNAP, WIC, and other nutrition education funding through a single department or through common materials, messages and program approaches. K. Work with the Navajo and Zuni Tribal TANF programs to implement their respective service plans for the $250,000 state general fund appropriation.
11. Support improvement of diabetes disease management to prevent complications through Envision and other programs.

Task 3.2: Provide meals for seniors and disabled individuals.

1. Depending on sufficient funding, seek an increase of the monthly amount available for food for eligible seniors to a minimum of $20 per month by requesting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program using state general fund dollars.
2. Seek and implement SNAP waiver allowing auto enrollment program through SSA offices for Social Security Income (SSI) approvals.
3. Explore a California pilot program that allows EBT cards to be used by elderly or homeless persons (those individuals or families who have difficulty preparing meals due to age or lack of facilities) to purchase food at participating restaurants.