Lobos helping Lobos one bite at a time
August 14, 2024
Photo by Scott Gerdes
The cost of food and other basic needs and services has negatively impacted the lives of most people; college students are far from immune.
What started as the Lobo Food Pantry on Klauer campus—serving students, staff and faculty—was initiated by the 2021-2022 UNM-Taos Student Government Association (SGA). It began as an outdoor cabinet under a portal at Fred Peralta Hall, which is undergoing renovation. The current SGA—in conjunction with the LOR Foundation—was instrumental in funding the pantry’s upgrade and relocation to a space inside Padre Martinez Hall. It opens on Aug. 19. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Aug. 23 at 1:30 p.m.
The upgraded pantry also has a new name, Thrive: Food and Resource Center. Ran by work-study students, the new pantry has refrigerated and frozen food, and more fresh produce with the addition of meats and dairy. Dry and canned goods, diapers and other basic necessities remain on the shelves.
“It’s extra cool because it’s ran by work-study students who are trained to help fellow students find resources related to housing and benefits such as SNAP, and can refer them to getting help with mental health and accessing basic healthcare, financial resources, childcare, other food resources … the list is long,” said UNM-Taos Student Resource Navigator Cami Hartman.
One of the work-study students manning the new pantry is Jesyka Pacheco. She knows firsthand how life’s trials and tribulations can turn someone’s world upside down. She is someone who has navigated through some of life’s most challenging moments and emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. Over the past year, Pacheco transitioned from facing adversity to finding the empowerment to help others by becoming a student resource navigator at UNM-Taos.
In May of 2023, Pacheco’s life took a tragic turn when her house burned down. This event was not just a loss of material possessions; it was a profound emotional upheaval that left her feeling lost and uncertain about her future. The fire forced her to confront the fragility of existence and showed her the importance of community support during difficult times.
“As I stood amidst the ashes of what once was my home, I realized that I had two choices: to succumb to despair or rise from the ashes and seek new beginnings,” Pacheco shared. “Shortly after the fire, I found myself wandering around campus one day, feeling overwhelmed and unsure about how to continue my education while grappling with personal loss. It was during this moment of uncertainty that I met Ms. Cami Hartman, who would become not only my boss but also a guiding light in my journey at UNM-Taos. She welcomed me into the Thrive: Food and Resource Center at Klauer campus—a place dedicated to supporting students like myself who may be struggling.”
This encounter marked a pivotal moment in Pacheco’s life. Hartman’s compassion and understanding inspired Pacheco to take action rather than remain passive in the face of adversity.
With Hartman’s encouragement, Pacheco applied for the position of student resource navigator at UNM-Taos. In that position, Pacheco has the incredible opportunity to connect with fellow students who are navigating their own challenges—be it financial difficulties, food insecurity, or emotional stressors related to academic pressures. Her role involves providing resources and support tailored specifically to their needs.
“Every day is an opportunity for me to make a difference in someone’s life. Whether it’s helping students access food from our Thrive: Food and Resource Center or guiding them through academic resources available on campus, I am committed to ensuring that no student feels alone in their struggles,” Pacheco said. “What drives me every day is the belief that education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. Having faced significant challenges myself, I understand firsthand how vital it is for students to have access to resources that can help them succeed academically and personally.”
Pacheco often reflects on her personal experiences—the fear and uncertainty after losing everything—and uses those feelings as fuel for her mission at UNM-Taos.
“It is incredibly rewarding when students express gratitude for the assistance they receive; knowing that I’ve played even a small part in their journey towards success brings me immense joy,” she added. “As I continue my studies while working full-time at UNM-Taos, I am filled with hope for both myself and those around me. My experiences have taught me resilience and empathy—qualities that are essential in fostering a supportive community among students.
We all have our battles; however, together we can create an environment where everyone has access to what they need for success—a place where we uplift one another rather than leave anyone behind.”
Thrive: Food and Resource Center is supported by El Pueblito’s Shared Table, the St. James Food Pantry, Taos Bakes, Taos County Economic Development Center (TCEDC) and Agriculture Implementation Research and Education (AIRE). It is funded by a percentage of student fees—50 cents per credit hour—grants and private donations.
“Students have a hard time learning if they’re hungry. At UNM-Taos, we understand that and want to help. It’s another area we can assist. We can’t do much about the cost of housing, but we can help students get food and other basic necessities,” Hartman said.
An updated report shows many college students in New Mexico struggle with hunger and/or finding a place to live: UNM Newsroom https://goto.unm.edu/foodinsecurity.
If you would like to contribute goods to the Thrive: Food and Resource Center, needs include the following:
Acceptable food donations:
Canned fruit/vegetables/soup/pasta sauce
Rice/oatmeal/beans/grains/instant mash potatoes/cereal
Peanut butter/jelly/jam
Coffee/tea/shelf stable juices
Jars of baby food
Packaged fruit snacks/nuts/seeds/granola bars/dried fruit
Crackers/chips/popcorn
Oils (vegetable, olive, canola etc.)
Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, honey, etc.)
Herbs/spices/dried chile
Pasta/mac n cheese/Ramen noodles
Also accepted: Excess fresh fruit and veggies from personal gardens and fresh eggs.
Acceptable toiletries:
Shampoo/conditioner/lotion/bar soap/deodorant
Feminine hygiene products (tampons and pads only)
Laundry detergent/fabric softener
Dish soap
Diapers/baby wipes/powdered baby formula
Toothpaste/toothbrushes
Toilet paper/paper towels
To make a monetary donation, please make check out to UNM-Taos with Thrive: Food and Resource Center in the memo line. Checks can be dropped off in person or mail to:
Thrive: Food and Resource Center
c/o UNM-Taos
1157 County Rd 110
Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557
