FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kennedy Cooper
Kids Cook!
kennedy.cooper@kidscook.us
505-633-0036
kidscook.us

Kids Cook! Faces Uphill Battle After Federal Funding Cuts Jeopardize Vital Nutrition Program

Albuquerque, NM — For over 25 years, Kids Cook! has been a beloved fixture in Albuquerque, bringing hands-on nutrition and cooking education directly into classrooms and homes. This isn't just about teaching kids to chop vegetables; it's about empowering thousands of New Mexico children to build healthier habits and foster a lifelong love of good food. But now, this essential program is in real danger of disappearing.

Just a few weeks ago, the federal spending package passed by President Donald Trump and the Republicans delivered a harsh blow: it eliminated SNAP Education (SNAP-Ed) from the national budget. This abrupt decision cut off funding for critical community nutrition programs across the country, and Kids Cook! was unfortunately one of them.

“We’ve built a program that connects with kids where they are,” explains Executive Director Sara Robbins. “Our recipes and lessons help students feel proud of the food they create and confident in their ability to care for themselves and their families. But this kind of work takes time, consistency, and support. Right now, we’ve lost the backbone of that support.”

Kids Cook! has a long history of working within schools, after-school programs, and family events. They don't just teach practical cooking skills; their lessons are woven into subjects like health, geography, history, science, math, and even literacy. Teachers, parents, and principals across Albuquerque have consistently lauded the program for its ability to boost student engagement, improve food literacy, and contribute to better health for families.

With the sudden loss of federal SNAP-Ed funding, Kids Cook! is now scrambling. They’re relying on emergency fundraising and local advocacy to simply stay afloat. Staff and dedicated volunteers are reaching out to the community, urging folks to support the program through recurring donations and by pressing New Mexico legislators to hold a special session to address the devastating local impact of these federal cuts.

“Teaching people about nutrition improves outcomes across so many parts of life,” Robbins emphasizes. “When children get excited about cooking, we see less food in the trash as kids get to explore nutritious food in a fun way.  This leads to adults who feel more confident in the kitchen and at the grocery store who have better health. . This isn’t intangible; this has improved the lives of tens of thousands of our community members.”

Kids Cook! is committed to continuing its operations while seeking crucial bridge funding. Their hope is to preserve as many of their invaluable programs and partnerships as possible during this incredibly challenging transition.

For more information about Kids Cook! and how you can help, please visit kidscook.us or follow them on Instagram @kidscookabq.