Growing Strong: Las Cumbres’ GRG Program Honored with Golden Chile Award

Alaina Paisano, Farmers Market Association; Rita Condon, New Mexico Department of Health; and Elizabeth Holmes, Las Cumbres Community Services.

In early December, the Albuquerque Convention Center buzzed with energy as educators, farmers, policymakers, and community leaders from across the state gathered for the 10th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference. Among the many moments of celebration, one stood out for Northern New Mexico: Las Cumbres Community Services’ Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) program was honored with a New Mexico Grown “Golden Chile Award”. 

GRG received the “Sprouts” Award, recognizing programs whose partnerships with local farmers and food producers are taking root and growing strong. The award celebrates GRG’s commitment to ensuring grandparents and kin caregivers—and the grandchildren they are raising—have consistent access to fresh, healthy, locally grown food. 

The NM Grown Golden Chile Awards are presented annually to programs across early childhood education, K–12 schools, and senior centers that strengthen local food systems while improving health and equity. Las Cumbres’ GRG program serves families across Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Taos Counties, uniquely bridging generations by supporting grandparents who play a crucial role in providing much needed stability and better outcomes for grandchildren of all ages in their care.

Through participation in the statewide NM Grown program, GRG coordinators regularly purchase locally grown produce, dry goods, and New Mexico-raised meat, distributing them directly to enrolled families. Grandparents receive Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) bags and boxes filled with seasonal fruits and vegetables sourced from trusted local partners, including the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market, Khlasa Farms, and Rancho de Santa Fe. To expand access even further, GRG recently purchased three freezers, allowing the program to safely store and distribute locally raised meat—another critical step in reducing food insecurity. 

The program’s impact extends beyond the dinner table. Grandparents and grandchildren participate together in field trips to local farms and gardens, including Reunity Resources, where children explored compost bins, discovered earthworms, and learned how healthy soil leads to healthy food. These hands-on experiences connect families to where food comes from and spark curiosity about nutrition, agriculture, and the natural world. 

Representing Las Cumbres at the conference, Santa Fe GRG Coordinator Elizabeth Holmes reflected on the moment: 

“It was inspiring to be surrounded by other programs that recognize how important it is to nourish both our oldest and youngest community members. Providing fresh, healthy food has made a real difference for families who otherwise wouldn’t have access—and it’s introduced grandchildren to healthier food choices they’re excited about.” 

The conference opened with remarks from Miguel Villarreal, Co-Executive Director of the National Farm to School Network, and Stephen Ritz, educator and founder of Green Bronx Machine, who emphasized the power of community-driven food systems. Congressional representatives and New Mexico legislators were also in attendance, underscoring the statewide importance of this work. In total, a record 92 awardees were honored—schools, senior centers, farmers, ranchers, food hubs, and nonprofits—all united by a shared commitment to health, education, and equitable food access. 

Las Cumbres is proud to stand among them—growing stronger, together.