ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – “Pass the Sopapillas,” a new podcast and video series, invites New Mexicans to pull up a chair and take part in shaping a stronger future for children and families. Episodes to be released every two weeks through August, the series brings together parents, educators, community leaders and innovators for candid discussions about what is working—and what is possible—for children and young people across the state.
Hosted by New Mexico State Poet Laureate Manuel González and presented by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), the series will host its next live taping in Las Cruces, NM, Sunday, May 31 focused on “Jobs and Family Economic Security.” The public is invited to join the conversation for the live podcast/video recording which also includes music, community conversations and sopapillas for all.

Pass the Sopapillas host New Mexico State Poet Laureate Manuel González.
“In New Mexico, passing sopapillas around the table is about togetherness, sharing and connection,” said González. “That is what this podcast is about—bringing people together to share ideas and imagine the future we want for our children and families. We may come from different cultures and communities, but we are all at the same table for the same reason: we love our kids and want to see them thrive.”
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has been investing in New Mexico for decades, working alongside local partners to create conditions that help children and their families thrive. The Foundation named New Mexico a priority place for its investments in 2007 and has offices in the state.

Guests and host at the first episode taping of Pass the Sopapillas in Albuquerque.
“New Mexico has been on a hot streak, passing free in-state college tuition, free school meals and universal childcare,” said Micah McCoy, WKKF communications officer, based in Albuquerque. “New Mexicans have proven they can take on big challenges and make life better for children and families. So what else is possible? ‘Pass the Sopapillas’ is about inviting New Mexicans to keep asking that question—and to see themselves as part of the answer.”
Through the lens of New Mexico’s shared culture, inclusivity and joyful spirit, this podcast puts people first while exploring important issues impacting children. The moderated conversations center on community voices, exploring a variety of topics all with a uniquely New Mexican flavor including:
- Land, culture and identity
- Education and literacy
- Universal free childcare
- Healing from the legacies of racism and colonialism
- Jobs and economic security
- Elevating youth voices
- Maternal/child health

Eli Cuna of The Semilla Project and Dr. Virginia Necochea of New Mexico Environmental Law Center, podcast guests, enjoying sopapillas at the episode one podcast taping at The Rail Yards in March.
Original music for “Pass the Sopapillas” was composed by Ozomatli’s Raul Pacheco of Albuquerque. It will stream for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and IHeart Podcasts, with episodes also available as captioned videos on YouTube. Additional information, episode releases and viewing links will be available at Wkkf.co/sopas.
“Pass the Sopapillas” Live Podcast/Video Recording
Sunday, May 31, 2026
Time: 2 pm – 5:30 pm
KWRG Studios, NMSU Milton Hall
2915 McFie Circle, Las Cruces, NM 88003
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Media Note: For interviews, please contact Cathy.Cochranlewis@gmail.com, 512.627.5599.
Media photos and video available here.

ABOUT THE W.K. KELLOGG FOUNDATION
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal innovator and entrepreneur Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work and life. The Kellogg Foundation is based in Battle Creek, Michigan, and works throughout the United States and internationally, as well as with sovereign tribes. Special attention is paid to priority places where there are high concentrations of poverty and where children face significant barriers to success. WKKF priority places in the U.S. are in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans; and internationally, are in Mexico and Haiti. For more information, visit www.wkkf.org.
Media Contact
Name: Cathy Cochran-Lewis
Phone: (512) 627-5599
Email: cathy.cochranlewis@gmail.com
Media for download
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zX60ZJcF08YKnJDr6wMbVT3Vhib1JhXR
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