SANTA FE – Applications are available to apply for the 2nd annual NM Grown Golden Chile Award.

The honor reflects applicants’ commitment to connecting children, students, and seniors to New Mexico Grown food. 

 Application information is available online on the NMDOH website on the Healthy Kids Healthy Communities program section at https://www.nmhealth.org/publication/view/general/7534/ with the applications for each category available at https://www.nmhealth.org/about/phd/pchb/hknm/resources/. 

 Community organizations serving locally grown foods in their nutrition program are eligible to apply for this recognition, including preschools, schools, and senior centers as well as local farmers and food producers participating in NM Grown. Applications are due June 10th.

 Awards will recognize applicants’ progress with serving locally grown food in meals and snacks, establishing edible gardens, providing nutrition education and culturally-appropriate lessons, as well as engaging staff, families and/or communities in NM Grown programming.

 The Golden Chile Award’s four-tiered recognition program is designed to acknowledge all levels of involvement in New Mexico’s local food movement — Seed (potential), Sprout (growing strong), Blossom (reaching maturity) and Golden Chile (mature and fruitful).

 A virtual ceremony for all awardees is scheduled for mid-September.