In 2013, the State of New Mexico passed the Community Schools Act to enhance student learning and foster stronger families and healthier communities.

Here in Las Cruces, Lynn Middle School was selected as the first community school. This designation brought a wide range of new services and programs to support students and their families, including food distributions, diverse after-school activities, and the establishment of a family resource center.

In 2021, six more community schools were added across the district, expanding the reach and impact of this model. Casa de Peregrinos proudly joined this effort by launching a Healthy Snack Bar initiative to further support student well-being. These snack bars offer nutritious options such as granola bars, breakfast bars, mixed nuts and dried fruits, fresh produce, and peanut butter.

The Healthy Snack Bars are open every day after the fourth period—right in the middle of the afternoon, a time when hunger can easily become a barrier to focus and learning.