Western New Mexico University is asking the NM Legislature for $250,000 to prepare for and construct a new greenhouse that will help to reduce food insecurity on campus.
The greenhouse, which will measure 48 by 70 feet, is part of the university’s Food Security and Sustainability initiative as well as part of larger state-wide efforts, said Director of Food Security and Sustainability Katie Poirier. “Our efforts align with and are supported by Governor Lujan Grisham’s Food Initiative and the New Mexico Higher Education Department’s focus on eliminating food insecurity across New Mexico.”
“Through this initiative,” said Poirier, “WNMU is committed to significantly reducing food insecurity on college campuses, and the greenhouse project will play a critical role in addressing these challenges.”
According to a Basic Needs assessment conducted by the University of New Mexico, 68% of WNMU students and 50% of WNMU faculty and staff reported experiencing food insecurity in 2023.
Some of the produce from the new greenhouse will go toward the WNMU One Stop, the food pantry on campus. The One Stop serves over 150 students, staff and faculty each month. Additional produce will be used in the Mustang Dining Hall.
Once operational, said Poirier, the greenhouse is anticipated to produce approximately 75,000 pounds of fresh produce annually. “We are working closely with community partners and our cafeteria services to decide what to grow based on student preferences, seasonality, and gaps in local production,” she said.
The greenhouse will also serve an educational function in that it will provide students with practical experience with sustainable agriculture.
The requested funding would go toward several steps necessary to completing the greenhouse: removing earth at the site and pouring a concrete footing; pouring a concrete pad for a backup generator; and trenching, running, and connecting power to the greenhouse and the backup generator. In addition, it would pay for a crew to construct the greenhouse over the course of several weeks.
Construction of the greenhouse will be just one phase of development of the university’s agricultural site. Eventually, indicated Poirier, the site will include hoop houses, raised garden beds, a crop field and a small orchard, including peach and pecan trees.
