THE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TEFAP), FRESH PRODUCE, LOCAL PURCHASE AND SHELF STABLE FOOD INITIATIVE CONTRACT

The Health Care Authority of New Mexico invoked an emergency procurement to ensure uninterrupted delivery of TEFAP and fresh‑produce assistance to Cibola and McKinley counties. The contract awards The Community Pantry a six‑month term to receive, store, and distribute USDA foods and state‑funded fresh produce to local emergency feeding organizations, with strict compliance to USDA regulations and cost‑reimbursement reporting requirements. • Contract value: $2,189,876.10 (combined state and federal grant funds). • Scope: Distribution of USDA food commodities and purchased fresh fruits/vegetables to low‑income residents, with quarterly reporting and reimbursement. • Justification: Immediate service gap after prior RFP failure; sole provider capable of rapid restoration of services.