The emergency food assistance program (TEFAP), fresh produce, local purchase and shelf stable food initiative contract

The New Mexico Health Care Authority is awarding an emergency contract to The Community Pantry for administration and distribution of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), fresh produce, and shelf-stable food in Cibola and McKinley counties, effective July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, with a total contract value of $2,189,876.10.

This is a sole-source emergency procurement. The Community Pantry, the incumbent provider with over ten years of experience in both counties, was determined to be the only organization capable of immediately restoring services after the prior RFP (No. 60-63000-26-49628) resulted in no awards. Alternative regional food hubs are located 125 to 141 miles away and are already contracted to serve other counties. The emergency procurement addresses an immediate threat to public health and welfare caused by service interruption.

The scope includes receiving, storing, and distributing USDA Foods and fresh produce through five community food pantries, 14 mobile distribution sites serving tribal communities (Acoma, Laguna, Navajo, and Zuni), and 12 school-based food pantries. The contractor must maintain compliance with 7 CFR 247, 250, and 251 and submit quarterly reports detailing food items distributed by county.

The contract is funded from $2,118,502.10 in state funds ($70,786.10 for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables, $634,000.00 in GRO Funds, and $1,413,716.00 in Special Session Funds) and $71,374.00 in federal funds ($43,321.00 in TEFAP Conversion Funds and $28,053.00 in TEFAP Administrative Funds). The HCA plans to issue a new competitive RFP for the remainder of SFY 2027 and beyond to establish long-term service continuity.