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Rio Rancho schools report higher meal participation, USDA recognition and $11 million in reimbursements
Summary
District nutrition staff told the Rio Rancho Public Schools Board on June 9 that participation and reimbursements rose this year, the district secured a USDA healthy-meals incentive award, and summer meal service will run at nine parks and five school sites.
Rio Rancho Public Schools nutrition officials told the Board of Education on June 9 that student participation in school meals rose this year, the district received a USDA healthy-meals incentive award, and summer meal service will be provided at nine parks and five school sites from June 2 to July 25.
The report, presented by Felix Griego, executive director of student nutrition, said the district served roughly 1.8 million lunches this school year (up from about 1.5 million the prior year) and that total federal reimbursements were about $11 million this year compared with roughly $9 million last year. Griego said breakfast daily participation reached about 5,500 in March and the department’s target for lunches is roughly 10,000 meals per day.
Griego told the board the district was nominated by the state for the USDA healthy-meals incentive for “scratch innovative cooking,” and that the program has expanded staffing with Southwest Food Excellence (SFE) to add assistant managers, catering staff, a chef and a marketing manager. He said SFE hiring and grant funds—about $620,000 cited for equipment upgrades—helped replace kitchen equipment and invest in capital projects.
Board members and staff discussed promotion and menu changes intended to boost participation, including salad bars sourced weekly from Silverleaf (Corrales) and popular menu items such as quesadillas and tacos. Griego outlined promotional efforts used this year, including elementary school coloring contests, use of a district food truck for on-site events and plans to integrate food and nutrition curriculum and “rolling chef” cards into classrooms that opt in.
Facilities and capital work tied to nutrition operations were described as underway: replacement flooring at Vista Grande and Paulina (kitchen epoxy), a planned $140,000 capital outlet replacement at Eagle Ridge Middle School, snack-bar upgrades, steam well and dishwasher replacements and general preventative maintenance. Griego said the department is coordinating projects with facilities staff.
Griego also summarized summer-meal logistics and meal-quality goals: modify menus per student feedback (more fresh fruit and drink options), increase middle-school participation, continue equipment replacement and explore premium products. He said the district recertified for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows broader free-meal coverage and additional federal funding leverage.
Board members praised the improvements and increased participation. Vice President Morgan and Board Member Clinkton both noted that major program indicators were up across the year and thanked staff for work on implementation and school kitchens.
