Website lists feeding plans by district during closing

SANTA FE – A tab on the new and updating state government website provides New Mexico families the information they need about how to access meal sites for children while classes are canceled starting Monday.

The newmexico.gov website is state government’s one-stop shop for information about the COVID-19 pandemic that led Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to close schools for three weeks beginning Monday, March 16.

(Updates to the number of confirmed cases in the state will continue to be posted to cv.nmhealth.org.)

The newmexico.gov website is being updated and finalized in real time.

The website’s navigation bar includes a tab “Information About Education,” which is where users will find a list of sites that will provide breakfast and lunch to students between March 16 and April 6.

Schools and our USDA-approved meal sponsors are employing a number of strategies to continue feeding children.

Many school cafeterias will remain open, and workers will prepare meals that parents or students can grab and go at specified times. Other districts are arranging delivery by school bus or National Guard to students in remote areas.

This is a collaboration between the governor’s office and state agencies, including the Public Education Department, Early Childhood Education and Care Department, Indian Affairs Department and Children, Youth and Families Department.

New Mexico received waivers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allow school meal programs to continue during the closing with additional flexibility including income eligibility requirements. All children ages one to eighteen are eligible to receive meals.