Aggie Cupboard is an assistance service and food distribution pantry that supports New Mexico State University students, faculty, and staff. Established in 2012 as a social worker’s passion project in an office closet, the pantry grew and moved many times — from Garcia Annex, to Christian Challenge, to its current location at 906 Agriculture Way.
Amanda Nunez, program specialist and social service worker, started her position with Aggie Cupboard four years ago.
“It’s just been growing,” Nunez said. “The need has been growing.”
The NMSU Agriculture Department, which donates squash, pumpkins, and zucchini during the fall, is one of many collaborators with the food pantry. In the past, the American Indian Program created promotional videos of Aggie Cupboard, while the Office of Health Promotion assisted with food items and taught students how to cook meals using those ingredients in the air fryer.
ICAN (Ideas for Cooking and Nutrition) is another campus program that provides information on nutritional facts and how to cook easy meals. They also advertise teach-ins to cook in their pantries.
Pantry Soft, an online platform that can be accessed through Aggie Cupboard homepage, aids students in placing food orders. The service was launched in July 2024.
“[Students] literally come in, swipe their card, no questions really asked, and they get their food,” Nunez stated.
Pantry Soft helps track data on what food items are most requested, so Aggie Cupboard can offer students their favorites.
“It’s been a great, great asset to the Aggie Cupboard,” Nunez said. “It helps us keep inventory, lets me see what students are liking, what they’re taking more than other items … So, it works for the busy student on the go. It’s right there.”
Nunez mentioned in some cases, Aggie Cupboard may also be able to provide students in need with access to meal swipes at Taos.
“The Aggie Cupboard recognizes that some students might not have the means to refrigerate or cook food, may not have a can opener, or they may be facing homelessness,” Nunez stated.
One of Aggie Cupboard’s primary services is a monthly food distribution called Pete’s Pantry in the Park. This enables students to take home non-perishable food items and fresh produce in their carts, boxes, and arms. Their last distribution at Preciado Park had a turnout of about 140 students who were able to start the spring semester with full pantries.
Susan Smith, a long-time resident of Las Cruces and employee of Aggie Cupboard, has served in the program for 12-13 years. In her years at NMSU, Smith has seen the program expand, especially as Nunez has worked to provide more variety and resources.
“Everything here is donated … the farmers bring stuff at the end of the season … [people] give us grants,” Smith said. “… people use all kinds of stuff; at Christmastime, we even have toys for the kids, but it’s expanded a lot. And I think the community thinks it’s really special.”
Smith mentioned she thinks it’s important for the NMSU community to know about Aggie Cupboard’s accessible resources. She said everyone needs help sometimes, and it’s important to reach out to what’s available.
Audra Bryan, a student who works at Aggie Cupboard, discussed the program’s inclusivity.
“I just want people to know that we’re here,” Bryan said. “We’re here to help. No discrimination is here. It’s a safe space, and whoever needs anything at all — even if it’s just one can of corn — can come in, and we’ll help you.”
Aggie Cupboard is looking to open a second location in Corbett Center sometime in the future. Their usual distribution days are Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The next Pete’s Pantry in the Park will be held next Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Preciado Park.
