Albuquerque Public Schools recognized for Incorporating Locally Sourced Produce into its Food Program

Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) has been recognized for its commitment to incorporating locally sourced produce into its food program. The New Mexico Grown Coalition honored APS with a Blossom award, praising their successful initiatives in utilizing New Mexico-grown food. Sandra Kemp, the Executive Director of Food and Nutrition Services at APS, has been working closely with local farms to procure bulk quantities of produce. So far, APS has obtained a wide range of locally sourced fruits and vegetables, including watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, pluots, nectarines, salad greens, and cherry tomatoes.

The recognition by the New Mexico Grown Coalition extends beyond APS. A total of 17 school districts, 10 senior centers, 18 preschools, and 21 food producers were acknowledged for their contributions to the local food system. State Public Education Secretary Arsenio Romero expressed his excitement over the recognition, stating that the honorees serve as role models for schools and districts across the state, highlighting the important connection between food, how it is grown, and the health of communities.

The New Mexico Grown Coalition is a collaborative network that aims to strengthen community food systems in the state. They focus on various aspects, including production, access, and education. The coalition welcomes all partners who share their vision of enhancing access to locally grown and produced foods. The New Mexico Grown Golden Chile Awards program specifically recognizes the initiatives carried out under the NM Grown banner, encompassing preschools, K-12 schools, and senior centers.

APS's dedication to incorporating locally sourced produce into their food program not only supports local farmers but also ensures that students have access to fresh and nutritious food. By prioritizing locally grown food, APS is setting an example for other schools and districts in the state. This recognition serves as a testament to APS's commitment to the well-being of their students and the community as a whole.

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Sandra Kemp, the Executive Director of Food and Nutrition Services at APS, has been collaborating with local farms such as Wagner, Silver Leaf, and North Valley Organics to procure bulk quantities of produce. During the current school year, APS has already acquired 16,000 pounds of watermelon, 2,800 pounds of cantaloupe, 785 cases of peaches, 312 cases of pluots, 120 cases of nectarines, 90 cases of salad greens/mix, and 1,100 pints of cherry tomatoes. These efforts are part of a broader recognition where 17 school districts, 10 senior centers, 18 preschools, and 21 food producers were acknowledged for their contributions according to a press release.

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“We are thrilled to see so many of our districts recognized in these awards,” said state Public Education Secretary Arsenio Romero according to a press release. “These honorees serve as role models for all schools and districts in the state on the important connection between our food and how it is grown and the health of our communities.”

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The New Mexico Grown Coalition, a collaborative network encompassing public institutions, community organizations, and individuals, has a primary goal of fortifying community food systems in the state, focusing on aspects like production, access, and education. This coalition extends an open invitation to all partners who share the vision of enhancing access to locally grown and produced foods. Within this framework, the New Mexico Grown Golden Chile Awards program commemorates the initiatives conducted under the NM Grown banner, spanning preschools, K-12 schools, and senior centers according to the New Mexico Grown Coalition.

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