Our food program at INSPIRE began as a response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a clear mission: to ensure that all children in our community had access to safe and healthy meals, even when schools were closed. During this difficult time, we delivered fresh, nutritious meals daily to the homes of Inspire children, providing essential support to families who were struggling with new uncertainties. This initiative not only addressed immediate food security needs but also planted the seeds for a broader, long-term goal—giving all children in our care the opportunity to experience wholesome, balanced meals that foster healthy eating habits for life.

As the pandemic restrictions eased, we expanded the program, growing it into what it is today: a robust initiative that serves about 900 meals daily to children across Taos schools. Each meal is prepared fresh daily, featuring a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, which allows children to experience the changing tastes and textures of produce throughout the year. By exposing children to a diverse range of healthy options early in life, we aim to help them develop a positive relationship with food and encourage them to make nutritious choices as they grow.

The program adheres to the New Mexico Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. These guidelines emphasize balanced meals that support healthy growth and development. Our goal is not only to meet the basic dietary needs of the children we serve but also to exceed expectations by providing meals that are both nutritious and delicious. By including fresh, seasonal produce, we hope to create meals that children look forward to while simultaneously teaching them about the importance of fruits, vegetables, and whole foods in their diet.

Beyond providing food, our program is built on the philosophy that nutrition is a key component of a child's overall development and well-being. We understand that access to healthy meals plays a crucial role in a child's ability to focus, learn, and thrive in both school and life. For many families, the meals we provide relieve a significant burden, ensuring that their children have access to safe, nutritious food without the financial stress of securing it themselves. Our long-term vision is to eliminate barriers to healthy eating, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to meals that will fuel their growth and development.

In essence, our school food program is about more than just feeding children—it’s about nurturing a community, fostering healthier futures, and making sure that every child has the opportunity to experience the benefits of nutritious, thoughtfully prepared meals. By continuing to build on the foundation we established during the pandemic, we remain committed to our goal of providing safe, healthy food to all children, ensuring they have the energy, focus, and nutrition they need to succeed in both their education and their lives.

Our Food Program Provides meals to children through the following programs:

INSPIRE locations (Taos, Arroyo Seco)

ANANSI Day School

ANANSI Charter School

UNM Taos Kid’s Campus

Non-Discrimination Statement

“In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

mail:

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

fax:

(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

email:

Program.Intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.”