“It’s More Than a Cookie” Family and Consumer Sciences:  Building Strong Families, Workforce, and Communities.

SANTA FE, NM 2026 The New Mexico Affiliate of the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences celebrated Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) in New Mexico through a Certificate of Recognition and Acknowledgment sponsored and introduced by Senator Leo Jaramillo.

Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), formerly known as Home Economics, plays a vital role in preparing individuals and families to navigate the growing needs of society while strengthening communities and the workforce. FCS contributes more than “753 billion annually to the US economy and spans more than 350 occupations and 215 industries” (American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2025) FCS includes multiple content areas such as Culinary Arts, Hospitality, & Tourism; Personal and Family Finance; Food Science & Nutrition; Health Management & Wellness; Textiles, Apparel, & Retailing; Housing & Interior Design, Education & Training; Human/Child Development & Family Relations.

 To further celebrate and highlight FCS programs in New Mexico, Pojoaque Middle School Lorenzo Martinez, Elk Forge 3-D Printing Club made food safe 3-D Cookie Cutters and Laura Smith’s Culinary Arts Program at Pojoaque Valley High School made the New Mexico State cookie, Biscochitos for the event. The biscochitos were made with flour donated from Valencia Flour Mill. Laura Smith, Pojoaque’s FCS teacher stated, “Family and Consumer Sciences is one of the most important subject’s students can take in school; we learn to combine the science of life with the art of living well.”

Full Press Release It's More Than A Cookie

Celebrating 90 Years of Helping Families and Providing Leadership Opportunities! - National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences New Mexico Affiliate (Canva)

Fabiola Cabeza de Baca Gilbert, was a New Mexico Cooperative Extension pioneer and one of New Mexico State University's first Spanish speaking home demonstration agents. She provided educational opportunities to Hispanic and Pueblo communities and shared local culture, New Mexican foods, and green chile throughout the nation.

Her cookbooks and information on New Mexico food and culture continues to inspire and celebrate New Mexico's rich history.