Refrigerated Display expands Access to Fresh Local Produce in Questa

Questa residents have long had limited access to fresh, locally grown produce outside of seasonal farmers’ markets, creating gaps in food access and limiting sales opportunities for local farmers. When a member of the Cultivo project identified inadequate refrigeration as a barrier to consistently stocking local produce at Sangre de Cristo Valley Market, she reached out to LOR with an idea: add the refrigerated display capacity needed to keep fresh produce available longer and reduce spoilage. LOR funding will enable Localogy, through the Cultivo project, to purchase and install a 20-foot Hill Phoenix ON5DMX-NGR produce case and a 20-foot condensing unit at the market. The new equipment will help ensure residents of Questa and northern Taos County have consistent, year-round access to locally grown produce while creating more opportunities for local farmers to sell what they grow.