New Mexico Launches State-Funded Food Assistance Program

Program aims to help thousands of lawfully present immigrants who will lose federal SNAP benefits due to new eligibility rules

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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In response to new federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility rules that will cut food assistance for thousands of lawfully present immigrants, the state of New Mexico is launching a temporary state-funded food assistance program to provide a one-time lump-sum payment to affected households.

Why it matters

The new federal SNAP restrictions will impact thousands of lawfully present immigrants in New Mexico, including refugees, asylees, and others allowed to enter the U.S. for humanitarian reasons. The state's new program aims to help offset the immediate loss of federal food assistance for these households.

The details

Approximately 19,485 lawfully present immigrants in New Mexico are projected to lose federal SNAP eligibility over the course of the year as they come up for renewal. To address this, the New Mexico Legislature appropriated $12 million to provide temporary, state-funded food assistance. The one-time lump-sum payment will be calculated as an individualized percentage of a household's prior SNAP benefit. Eligibility for the state-funded assistance is tied to the SNAP renewal process, and affected customers must complete their renewal to be assessed.

  • The new federal SNAP restrictions took effect on January 1, 2026.
  • The state-funded food assistance program was launched in response to the federal changes.
  • The one-time lump-sum payments will be issued retroactively to eligible customers who lost federal benefits on or after January 1, 2026.

The players

Michelle Lujan Grisham

The governor of New Mexico who supported the state's new food assistance program.

Kari Armijo

The Secretary of the New Mexico Health Care Authority, which is administering the state-funded food assistance program.

New Mexico Health Care Authority

The state agency that administers Medicaid, SNAP, and other health and social services programs in New Mexico.

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What they’re saying

“Federal changes do not change the importance of completing your SNAP renewal on time. Renewal keeps people connected, helps us determine eligibility accurately, and allows state-funded assistance to reach families faster. No one should assume they can no longer get help—renewing is how we make sure support continues during this transition.”

— Kari Armijo, Secretary, New Mexico Health Care Authority

What’s next

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The takeaway

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