Rio Rancho, Bernalillo schools winners of 2025 Golden Chile Award

ALBUQUERQUE — The cafeterias of Bernalillo and Rio Rancho schools just got a little bit hotter.

The two school districts and La Esperanza Child Development Center in Rio Rancho were honored Monday with the 2025 Golden Chile Award, announced by New Mexico Grown Coalition. The awards came during the National Farm to Cafeteria Conference in Albuquerque, according to a press release from the New Mexico Department of Health, a partner of the coalition.

More than 90 schools and districts, including Cuba Independent Schools, received various “tiers” of the award, given since 2021 to K-12 institutions that support local food systems through New Mexico Grown. La Esperanza and BPS won the “Blossom” (program reaching maturity) tier, while RRPS was recognized for the “Sprout” (program growing strong) tier.

The honors come as the coalition recently visited Rio Rancho area schools, where students got to try new foods from local farms.

Felix Griego, executive director of student nutrition with RRPS, said he is pleased his cafeteria staff of almost 150 employees won the Blossom Award.

“We’re very excited to be recognized for the award, but our job is not done — we want to continue serving more New Mexico Grown products with the funds we were given,” Griego said.

Griego’s goal next year is for his staff to earn a Golden Chile Award. He plans to organize more farm field trips for students and start hydro gardens — a method of growing plants without soil.

Debra Trujillo, BPS director of student nutrition, said in a prepared statement that her department is “extremely proud of the progress our district has made through NM Grown.”

“Integrating locally grown foods into our cafeterias not only supports student health but also nurtures a strong connection to our local culture, land and community,” Trujillo said. “Being one of just nine districts in the state to reach the ‘Blossom level’ inspires us to continue expanding this important work.”

Ruth Porta, CEO of La Esperanza, said her preschool won the Blossom award after teaching students how to make their own tortillas using corn from a local farm.

“They loved that activity,” Porta said of her students. “Everything we do is in the service of the children.”

La Esperanza has received beef and produce from New Mexico farms, she said. The school also boasts apple trees and a greenhouse where students grow their own vegetables.

Porta added she loves the partnership with New Mexico Grown because it not only teaches students about eating healthy but also helps the economy by supporting local farmers.