Albuquerque Public Schools continues to equip its staff with skills needed to better serve students. The district’s Food and Nutrition Services team recently participated in a state conference to exchange ideas and gain valuable training. The experience is especially important as they continue to champion healthy meals for students.
After more than six years, APS made a major return to the annual New Mexico School Nutrition Association conference. The district sent 65 team members to take part in professional development, networking, and leadership opportunities.
The conference gathers school nutrition professionals to share ideas, learn best practices, and explore new approaches to serving students. It carries the theme “Facing the Future Together: Uniting Innovation, Scratch-Cooked, Fresh Meals and Community in School Nutrition.”
APS Executive Director of Food and Nutrition Services Marie Johnson said the conference provided essential training and resources from state agencies and industry partners. She added the event also gave team members opportunities to collaborate with colleagues from various districts.
Johnson said the conference also affirmed the district’s vision for the future of school meals.
Commitment to Healthy Meals and Staff Development
“Attending this conference reminded us of the important work we do every day for students,” Johnson said. “Our team is excited about the 2026-2027 school year and the opportunity to continue expanding scratch-made, minimally processed and culturally relevant menu options. We’re focused on serving meals that nourish students, celebrate our community and help every child thrive.”
In an earlier report, APS announced plans to make a major shift in school meal preparation. Starting August 7, district staff will prepare more than half of the menu items from scratch. To support the transition, the Food and Nutrition Services team will have to undergo a series of trainings to ensure proper plan implementation.
Johnson said there will be lots of training over the summer so the team is fully equipped by August. “All of our menus will be 51% scratch or more.”
Johnson is a two-term past NMSNA president. She has long been involved in advancing school nutrition across New Mexico. During her tenure, she championed the state’s Healthy Universal School Meals law, which expanded access to nutritious meals for students.
Meanwhile, the event also included exciting news for APS. Area Manager Geri Garcia was elected NMSNA secretary and will serve for the next two school years.
The district’s participation in the conference reflects its commitment to investing in staff development. It also shows APS’ dedication to improve school meal programs for students and families.