The SFCC Campus Cupboard provides fresh produce from SFCC’s greenhouse. This past year Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Institute has also helped expand access to fresh, high-quality produce as it did at the SFCC Pathways to Care: Allied Health Fair in September 2025. Courtesy/SFCC
SFCC News:
SANTA FE — Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) will host New Mexico’s First Nutritious Food Pantry Certification Ceremony 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, in the Campus Center, 6401 Richards Ave. The certification recognizes the SFCC Campus Cupboard Food Pantry funded primarily through SFCC Foundation and operated by SFCC Student Resources within the Student Wellness Center.
The public is invited to attend the festive celebration and is asked to RSVP: https://luma.com/7ckbujs7.
The certification is from Leah’s Pantry, which was founded in 2006 to advance nutrition security and community wellness. Its Nutrition Pantry Program certification supports food pantries in creating client- centered, health-focused, and trauma-informed food distribution. The certification recognizes practices that prioritize dignity, choice, wellness, and access to nourishing food.
“We are thrilled to celebrate becoming the First Nutritious Food Pantry in New Mexico,” said SFCC Director of the Student Wellness Center LaNysha Adams, Ph.D. “This achievement reflects the heart and hard work of our team, and how deeply we care about making sure students have access to nourishment that supports their health, focus and success.”
Deputy Secretary of New Mexico Higher Education Department Patricia Trujillo, Ph.D, and Director of the New Mexico Basic Needs Consortium Sarita Cargas, D. Phil., will speak at the event about the importance of addressing food insecurity so college students can succeed.
The milestone of receiving the official certification of SFCC’s Campus Cupboard as the First Nutritious Food Pantry in New Mexico positions SFCC as a leader in bringing a proven, nutrition-centered model into the state.
The Controlled Environment Agriculture program and SFCC greenhouse staff have been essential partners in expanding access to fresh, locally grown produce through the Campus Cupboard Food Pantry. In 2024, more than 300 pounds of greenhouse-grown produce was distributed to students, helping pave the way for a key Food Recovery Network grant to strengthen and scale this work.
As part of the grant from the Food Recovery Network, the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Institute has been a key partner in expanding access to fresh, high-quality produce for students. Through this partnership, the Student Wellness Center’s Campus Cupboard Food Pantry has been able to purchase produce below market rate, helping stretch resources while increasing the availability of nourishing, locally sourced food.
To learn more about how the Campus Cupboard Food Pantry serves students visit https://www.sfcc.edu/offices/campus-cupboard/.