ABQ RIDE Steps Up to Help Students Get to Meal Pickup Sites Free

Mayor Tim Keller wants to make it easier for students to get Grab & Go meals while APS schools are closed.

As of Monday, March 16 and until Albuquerque Public School students are back in school, students 18 years of age and younger can ride free on all ABQ RIDE fixed route buses. As always, students age 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult on the bus.

“While our schools are stepping up to make sure kids have access to food service at 89 sites, we want parents who have to work and families who don’t have access to a vehicle to have a reliable, free way for their kids to access these meals,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Free fares on our buses will help us eliminate barriers that create food insecurity in our city.”

“Students do not have to go to the school they attend to receive their meals. They only have to access the school site most convenient to them,” says Danny Holcomb, Transit Director. “Our buses can pick up these students and families closest to where they live and get them to the closest participating site.”

The only exception to this protocol is for students at New Futures High School at 5400 Cutler Ave NE in Albuquerque. Students who attend this school will need to access meals at the New Futures School site exclusively.

View a list of schools participating in the distribution of Grab & Go meals.

The best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to practice proactive social distancing. It is crucial that the public avoid large gatherings, order food from restaurants to-go, work from home and stay home in general if at all possible. The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the flu, with fever, coughing, and trouble breathing. The City is urging those who believe they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to call the New Mexico Department of Health at 855-600-3453.

The Mayor is also reminding all Albuquerque residents that discrimination is against the law and should be reported to the City of Albuquerque Office of Civil Rights. Stigma and xenophobia will drive suspected cases underground and aid the further spread of the virus. Avoid spreading misinformation. Coronavirus does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, or any other demographic factors, and neither should we. Speak up if you hear, see or read misinformation or harassment. Show compassion and support for those impacted by stigma.

The hoarding of cleaning supplies, soap, food and water or other basic goods is also inappropriate and detrimental to the community’s ability to respond as needed to this crisis.

The latest information on City facilities, programs and events will be continuously updated on the City of Albuquerque website.