Abstract

Food insecurity remains a persistent public health concern throughout New Mexico, impacting both rural and urban populations and contributing to significant health disparities. Limited access to affordable, locally sourced fresh foods exacerbates chronic disease burden and undermines community health. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice project was to conduct a comprehensive policy analysis to identify feasible state-level strategies to improve food access through strengthening local food systems. Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention POLARIS policy analysis framework, a structured evaluation of existing and potential state and community-level policies was conducted. The analysis incorporated stakeholder interviews with community members, healthcare professionals, and individuals engaged in local agriculture to assess feasibility, acceptability, economic impact, and equity implications. Findings indicated that policies aimed at increasing connectivity between local farmers and local consumers demonstrated the greatest potential for sustainable impact. Recommended strategies included expansion of farmers markets and mobile markets, improved transportation access to fresh food distribution sites, and increased investment in farmer education, technical training, and access to affordable agricultural land. These interventions were identified as both economically feasible and aligned with community priorities. Strengthening local food systems represents a viable, equity-focused approach to reducing food insecurity in New Mexico. Nurse practitioners are uniquely positioned to advocate for and support policy initiatives that integrate public health, primary care, and community-based food access solutions.

Keywords: Food insecurity, local food systems, policy analysis, health disparities, nurse practitioner, New Mexico, and equity.

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Level of Degree

Doctoral

First Committee Member

Heidi Honegger Rogers

Second Committee Member

Roberta Lavin

Keywords

Keywords: Food insecurity, local food systems, policy analysis, health disparities, nurse practitioner, New Mexico, and equity.

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