Board approves $4.1M cash transfer for New Mexico school nutrition programs

During the recent May 2025 Board Meeting of Hobbs Municipal Schools, a significant decision was made regarding the district's budget and funding for essential services. The board unanimously approved the 2025-2026 budget, which includes a crucial permanent cash transfer aimed at supporting the district's food services.

The approved transfer, totaling $4,116,393, will be allocated to two key funds: the food services fund and the universal free lunch program. This decision comes in response to rising operational costs, particularly in staffing and benefits, which have been exacerbated by New Mexico's minimum wage increase to $15 an hour. The district's leadership emphasized the need for this financial support to ensure that nutritional services can continue to operate effectively without incurring deficits.

Superintendent and board members highlighted the challenges faced by school districts across New Mexico, noting that while the state has made strides in providing universal meals for students, federal funding through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has not kept pace with rising costs. The board expressed a commitment to advocating for increased funding from both the New Mexico Public Education Department and the state legislature to address these ongoing financial pressures.

In addition to the budget approval, the meeting underscored the broader implications of these funding decisions for the community. Ensuring that all students have access to nutritious meals is vital for their health and academic success, and the board's actions reflect a proactive approach to meeting these needs.

As Hobbs Municipal Schools moves forward, the focus will remain on securing adequate resources to support its food services and advocating for policies that benefit all students in the district. The board's decisions during this meeting are a step toward addressing the pressing challenges faced by school nutrition programs and ensuring that every child has access to healthy meals.