The New Mexico State University Foundation launched the week long, bi-annual Eat for Pete campaign on Monday Oct. 14 to raise funds for the NMSU Aggie Cupboard. 

Eat for Pete began in the fall of 2017 by the NMSU Foundation, put on to gather donations for the university food pantry, available to students with an Aggie ID.  

NMSU junior Allison Wagner said she believes Aggie cupboard benefits students in need- especially considering the cost of higher education.  

“It’s so useful, especially with all the charges students struggle with, this is a way that would really help us,” Wagner said. 

NMSU Foundation Alumni Relations Officer Carol Ann Garcia said since its beginning in 2017, Eat for Pete has managed to raise over $7,000 for the university food pantry. Last semester marked one of the largest collections, raising over $3,500 in donation from partnered restaurants. 

The foundation also saw an increase in community help by reaching 12 local restaurant partnerships, which initially began with 10.

Each day of the week long fundraiser, the foundation will partner with a different restaurant that will then donate a percentage of their profits. 

This semester, partnerships include Salud de Mesilla, Matteo’s Mexican Restaurant, Hacienda de Mesilla, La Posta de Mesilla, Amador Patio Bar and Grill and The Bean Café. Other restaurants involved include Caliche’s Frozen Custard, Panda Express, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chick-fil-A, Jason’s Deli and Raising Cane’s. 

Aggie Cupboard is located at 906 Gregg St. near South Campus Housing, opened on Tuesday and Thursday.  

Students are able to take up to 13 pounds of non-perishable foods at the physical locations and are able to attain up to 50 pounds of fresh perishable foods at a mobile location held once a month. The cupboard is also partnered with the Student Research and Education Garden that provides the food pantry with fresh vegetables.