Featured Stories
How Casa de Benavidez Has Fed Albuquerque Families for Over 40 Years
When Maria Benavidez opened the doors of Casa de Benavidez in 1974, she had one goal: serve New Mexico families food that tasted like home. Four decades later, her family-run restaurant on 4th Street is still doing exactly that. What started as a small 20-seat dining room has grown into a beloved Albuquerque institution, serving generations of locals and visitors alike. The green chile — sourced every season from Hatch — is still made from Maria's original recipe. "We've seen kids grow up, get married, and bring their own kids in," says her grandson Carlos, who now manages the kitchen. "That continuity is everything to us." The restaurant employs 18 local staff members and sources ingredients from New Mexico farms whenever possible. They've survived recessions, a pandemic, and changing food trends — all while keeping their prices affordable for working families. If you haven't visited yet, stop in any day of the week. Ask for the combination plate — you won't regret it.
by Casa de Benavidez
Roadrunner Food Bank Feeds Over 100,000 New Mexicans Every Month — Here's How You Can Help
Every month, the Roadrunner Food Bank distributes food to more than 100,000 individuals across New Mexico — roughly 1 in 10 state residents who face food insecurity. It's a staggering number, and behind every statistic is a family, a child, or an elder trying to get by. **What We Do** Roadrunner Food Bank collects donated and rescued food from grocery stores, farms, food drives, and national programs, then distributes it through a network of over 450 partner agencies including food pantries, shelters, and community centers across the state. Last year alone, we distributed 30 million pounds of food — the equivalent of 25 million meals. **How You Can Help** *Volunteer:* We rely on over 10,000 volunteers annually to sort, pack, and distribute food. Volunteer slots are available Monday through Saturday, and groups of 10 or more can schedule dedicated sessions for corporate or community teams. *Donate Food:* Drop off non-perishable items at our main warehouse at 5840 Office Blvd NE, Albuquerque, or at one of 200+ drop sites around the state. *Give Money:* Every $1 donated provides 2 meals. Donations can be made online at roadrunnerfoodbank.org. *Host a Food Drive:* Schools, churches, and businesses can register to host a food drive any time of year. We provide collection boxes, marketing materials, and pickup service. New Mexico is a generous state. Together, we can make sure no one goes hungry.
by Roadrunner Food Bank
4 posts
The Insider's Guide to the Bosque Trail: What Locals Know That Tourists Don't
The Rio Grande Bosque is Albuquerque's best-kept secret — a 16-mile ribbon of cottonwood forest running right through the heart of the city. If you've only ever driven past it, you're missing out on one of the most stunning urban trails in the Southwest. Here's what locals know: **Best Times to Visit** Early morning from September through November is magical. The cottonwood leaves turn gold, sandhill cranes begin their migration south, and temperatures are perfect for a long walk or bike ride. Avoid weekend afternoons in summer — it gets crowded and hot. **Secret Access Points** Most people enter at Paseo del Bosque trailhead, but the Rio Bravo access point at the south end is nearly always quiet. Parking is free and the trail connects directly to the levee path. **Wildlife to Watch For** Keep your eyes open for roadrunners (yes, they're real), great blue herons fishing along the river, and if you're lucky, a glimpse of the resident bald eagle pair that winters near the Central Ave bridge. **What to Bring** Sunscreen even in winter, plenty of water (there are no water fountains on the trail), and a bike lock if you're cycling. The Bosque is free, open year-round, and one of the greatest gifts this city has to offer.
by High Desert Outfitters
Rio Rancho Small Business Association Launches Free Mentorship Program for New Entrepreneurs
The Rio Rancho Small Business Association is proud to announce the launch of its free 12-week mentorship program for entrepreneurs who are in the first two years of running their business. **Program Details** Starting September 9th, accepted participants will be matched with an experienced local business mentor for weekly one-on-one sessions covering: - Business planning and goal setting - Financial basics and bookkeeping - Marketing on a small budget - Building your customer base - Legal and licensing requirements in New Mexico **Who Can Apply** Any New Mexico resident who has started or is planning to start a small business in Sandoval or Bernalillo County. There is no cost to participate. **How to Apply** Applications are open now through August 25th. Visit our website or stop by our office at 3200 Civic Center Circle NE, Suite 200, Rio Rancho. Spots are limited to 20 participants per cohort. We encourage women-owned, minority-owned, and veteran-owned businesses to apply. For questions, contact us at programs@rrsba.org or call (505) 891-5000.
by Rio Rancho Small Business Association
How Casa de Benavidez Has Fed Albuquerque Families for Over 40 Years
When Maria Benavidez opened the doors of Casa de Benavidez in 1974, she had one goal: serve New Mexico families food that tasted like home. Four decades later, her family-run restaurant on 4th Street is still doing exactly that. What started as a small 20-seat dining room has grown into a beloved Albuquerque institution, serving generations of locals and visitors alike. The green chile — sourced every season from Hatch — is still made from Maria's original recipe. "We've seen kids grow up, get married, and bring their own kids in," says her grandson Carlos, who now manages the kitchen. "That continuity is everything to us." The restaurant employs 18 local staff members and sources ingredients from New Mexico farms whenever possible. They've survived recessions, a pandemic, and changing food trends — all while keeping their prices affordable for working families. If you haven't visited yet, stop in any day of the week. Ask for the combination plate — you won't regret it.
by Casa de Benavidez
Roadrunner Food Bank Feeds Over 100,000 New Mexicans Every Month — Here's How You Can Help
Every month, the Roadrunner Food Bank distributes food to more than 100,000 individuals across New Mexico — roughly 1 in 10 state residents who face food insecurity. It's a staggering number, and behind every statistic is a family, a child, or an elder trying to get by. **What We Do** Roadrunner Food Bank collects donated and rescued food from grocery stores, farms, food drives, and national programs, then distributes it through a network of over 450 partner agencies including food pantries, shelters, and community centers across the state. Last year alone, we distributed 30 million pounds of food — the equivalent of 25 million meals. **How You Can Help** *Volunteer:* We rely on over 10,000 volunteers annually to sort, pack, and distribute food. Volunteer slots are available Monday through Saturday, and groups of 10 or more can schedule dedicated sessions for corporate or community teams. *Donate Food:* Drop off non-perishable items at our main warehouse at 5840 Office Blvd NE, Albuquerque, or at one of 200+ drop sites around the state. *Give Money:* Every $1 donated provides 2 meals. Donations can be made online at roadrunnerfoodbank.org. *Host a Food Drive:* Schools, churches, and businesses can register to host a food drive any time of year. We provide collection boxes, marketing materials, and pickup service. New Mexico is a generous state. Together, we can make sure no one goes hungry.
by Roadrunner Food Bank