The Sangre de Cristo Market has been open for nearly three months and is quickly diversifying their options and accessibility for locals in the northern Taos County communities.
Store owner Dominick Apodaca says the store is proud to now accept SNAP EBT and is working to get WIC approved for customers who use this as a payment for their groceries. This accessibility allows the store to diversify its customer base, serving as many people as possible.
Additionally, the store has received official approval to serve ready-made food. “We have the smoker going and right now, we’re serving ribs, chicken, pork chops, smoked salmon… just diversifying the options so people can have different choices of food for lunch or dinner.”
Apodaca is happy to report that he is slowly incorporating locally sourced and organic foods. “We are going to have farm-fresh eggs soon and I have identified that Cerro Vista Farms can provide cabbage and carrots.” While the meats are not yet locally sourced, Dominick says he is still working to get local ranchers their USDA certification, so he can sell their products.
“While our meats aren’t locally sourced yet, we are increasing the choices of meat we offer, including lamb chops and fresh fish.”
Dominick reiterates that this commitment to diversification does have its challenges. “I am managing more logistics and running around because I am piecing together orders from locals, but it’s worth it because I know that the money is going directly to the local community. In rural communities, the economy is a challenge, so I am committed to reinvesting locally.”
Recently, Dominick was the recipient of a $55,000 grant from the Healthy Food Financing Fund through the State of New Mexico. “I am so blessed for this funding. It will go toward new compressors. It’s a huge relief for me as I have done all other upgrades on my own, so this was amazing and welcome news.”
For the Valentine’s Day holiday, the store was able to provide flower bouquets and chocolate-dipped strawberries, a glimpse into ways the store is working to expand options for residents, saving locals a trip to Taos or Santa Fe.
To see periodic updates from the store’s offerings, be sure to follow them on Facebook under SDC Valley Market.