Home Blog Page 22

State Pays Law School Tuition to Bring Lawyers Where Rural New Mexico Needs Them Most

Juan Oliveros
-
0
State Pays Law School Tuition to Bring Lawyers Where Rural New Mexico Needs Them Most

A mother living in rural New Mexico seeking child support can find herself facing a custody battle. But she has to face a life-changing choice: engage with the legal system alone or give up altogether.

There are counties where no lawyer is available to take her case. No legal assistance office nearby. No affordable attorney within driving distance. So she enters family court without a lawyer, carrying legal papers she barely understands, standing across from a system built in a language that is alien to her.

The consequences could be disastrous. C. Shannon Bacon of the New Mexico Supreme Court said mothers risk losing their homes, missing child support, or needing guardianship with no one to guide them.

For many residents in New Mexico, especially in isolated and historically underserved communities, geography is tied to access to justice. Justice Bacon said nearly 9 in 10 litigants in family court across the state represent themselves — a figure that mirrors attorney shortages and deep rural poverty. “These are folks who don’t have those skills, having to go in and represent themselves,” Bacon said.

Now, state leaders are initiating an intervention. They will be sending lawyers directly into underserved communities where they are needed most. Through the Community Governance Attorney Program, the University of New Mexico School of Law trains students and financially supports them to practice in some of the state’s most underserved regions. These areas include acequias, land grant-merced communities, and colonias. Many of these communities trace their histories back many centuries and remain culturally distinct, however, economically vulnerable.

The program, established in 2019, is under the New Mexico Higher Education Department. It offers tuition assistance, fees, and financial allowances for up to two third‑year law students annually. Graduates in return pledge to practice law in rural New Mexico communities, where legal representation is often scarce or absent.

The state also pays half of each attorney’s salary during their first two years of service. This incentive officials hope will encourage young lawyers to remain in New Mexico rather than leave for the metropolis.

“By supporting the state’s future attorneys in public service, we are building much-needed legal capacity in communities while keeping skilled workers in New Mexico,” said Stephanie M. Rodriguez. “This program is critical for strengthening access to legal counsel to underserved communities across New Mexico.”

The legal needs go far beyond family court. Many rural communities across the state face disputes involving land use, water rights, governance, and administrative law. These issues are interwoven with New Mexico’s complex history of Indigenous, Hispanic, and frontier settlement. Residents of Colonias and land grant communities often struggle to get lawyers who are experts with the unique structures that govern communal lands and traditional water systems.

State officials have recognized that the nation’s legal aid shortfall extends beyond criminal defense and urban legal aid clinics. The crisis is also unfolding quietly in rural courtrooms where ordinary Americans must argue high-stakes cases without lawyers. After all, justice is not simply blind in much of rural New Mexico. It is often far away.

Here is What You Need to Know Why “Sidewalk Ban” Faces Backlash

Ruben Reyes
-
0
Here is What You Need to Know Why “Sidewalk Ban” Faces Backlash

“Sidewalk ban” ordinance has raised its concerns over people facing homelessness after its effectivity last week.

A local group says this ordinance in Albuquerque mainly targets people facing homelessness and could increase police patrols in city-designated safety zones.

City Council passed the enhanced service and safety zones ordinance last week. Dare to Struggle group said the bill disproportionately targets people facing homelessness.

“APD wrongfully harasses us, and the city displaces us, throws away our stuff, harasses us, gives us citations that are unlawful, unjust, and we get displaced and have to start over and over and over again,” said Gabriel Salas.

Salas said the ordinance is not only the issue. According to the group, the city and police have treated people facing homelessness for a very long time.

Mayor Tim Keller says the ordinance still needs action and will designate certain safety zones. The Police, Albuquerque Community Safety or city sanitation workers would patrol these areas more.

The ordinance would also make it illegal to sit, sleep, or lie on public sidewalks, roads, bike paths, or alleys if someone is blocking them.

These ordinance could put others who seeks refuge on the road on pedestal. Authorities should seek solution on these problem to provide a better care for them.

Soaring Housing Costs Push Santa Fe Police Into Rio Rancho

Juan Oliveros
-
0
Soaring Housing Costs Push Santa Fe Police Into Rio Rancho

Santa Fe has positioned itself as a city of art, culture, and adobe charm — an environment fostering intentional living and cultural richness. But for many of the police officers sworn to protect the city, living there is no longer within reach due to skyrocketing housing costs.

So every morning before dawn, a quiet migration starts as squads of police officers leave subdivisions in Rio Rancho. They head north on Interstate 25 toward Santa Fe, commuting about 50 miles to patrol neighborhoods they themselves find the area financially out of reach.

One of them is Santa Fe police Officer Patrick Pinson.

Pinson and his wife started looking for a home in Santa Fe in 2017. The couple hoped to stay close to the city where he worked and where their family life was beginning to take root. Instead, they found out what many teachers, firefighters, and city employees already knew: the housing market had soared beyond the reach of middle-class workers.

Homes in Santa Fe were selling for $250 to $300 per square foot, Pinson said. The price is more than double the cost in Rio Rancho at the time. “The biggest houses we could afford were pretty much the same thing we were living in before,” he said. Pinson described cramped homes of roughly 900 to 1,000 square feet that no longer fit a growing family. So they left.

Today, Pinson is part of a pattern reshaping Northern New Mexico’s law enforcement landscape: officers live far from the communities they police.

Data from the Santa Fe Police Department show that only 39 of its 159 officers live within city limits. Another 22 live in Santa Fe County. But 49 police officers — the largest share — live in Sandoval County, home to Rio Rancho, the state’s fastest-growing city.

The trend goes beyond city police. At the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, nearly 3 in 10 of sworn deputies also live in Rio Rancho. The decision to live outside Santa Fe comes down to math.

Rio Rancho offers spacious housing in modern developments and lower crime rates. And the prices are still within reach on a public servant’s salary. On some streets, police vehicles from several jurisdictions line driveways each night. “Just within about 100 yards of my house, there are three state police officers, myself, and there’s some Santa Fe County,” Pinson said. “There’s a really high concentration of law enforcement in Rio Rancho due to the affordability.”

The city has adopted that identity.

Paul Wymer, who took office as the new mayor, says the influx of officers is not a peculiarity of regional economics. He frames it as an advantage for his city. Police cruisers parked in neighborhoods, he said, creating a sense of security and reinforcing Rio Rancho’s reputation as one of the safest communities in the state. Crime rate in Rio Rancho has dropped by 16 percent over the past two years. “I think it’s the safest community in the state,” Wymer said. “I’ve heard that directly from police officers.”

But the migration raises deeper issues for Santa Fe. Civic leaders across the country have argued that officers living within the communities they serve helps strengthen public trust, deepen relationships with residents, and create a stronger sense of accountability. Officers who coach Little League, patronize local businesses, and engage with residents beyond official duties can become part of a city’s social fabric, not simply its enforcement arm.

That extended commutes undermine their ability to remain connected locally.

Michael Garcia says the city is not only losing tax revenue when workers move elsewhere. “I want folks being engaged with our police and fire daily,” Garcia said. He described a vision in which first responders are visible not only during crises but also daily in schools, volunteer programs, and youth sports.

But solving the problem may prove more difficult in a city where cost accessibility has become a defining political issue.

Garcia says the city is exploring incentives to encourage officers to live locally. These incentives range from housing stipends to revised assistance programs for down payments. Also, city leaders are reluctant to sanction employees already priced out of the local economy..

Many officers appear resigned to the commute for now. Every weekday, streams of headlights move along I-25 between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, a stretch of road notorious for crashes and congestion. Pinson said he has learned to live by the routine: cruise control set at 75 miles per hour, taking time to relax off-duty while inching through traffic toward home.

However, the drive can take up to two hours when road incidents close lanes. “It’s kind of frustrating,” he admitted. Still, he says the hassle is worth it.

Pinson’s family has the space they needed in Rio Rancho. The community offers the sense of security they wanted. Returning to Santa Fe, he said, is no longer realistic. “We haven’t really considered it,” Pinson said. “We’re very content where we’re at.”

Police: 4 Men Plotted Deadly Ambush Near UNM

Juan Oliveros
-
0
Police: 4 Men Plotted Deadly Ambush Near UNM

The killing of 23-year-old Eden Rock happened in a narrow alley south of Central Avenue, near the edge of the University of New Mexico campus — an area within southeast Albuquerque where students, residents, and late-night traffic often converge after dark. Now, police say the shooting was not random.

Albuquerque Police Department investigators said Thursday they had already placed four young men into custody in connection with the fatal shooting. The incident unfolded shortly before 11 p.m. Wednesday between Cornell Drive and Stanford Drive.

The police identified the suspects as Tenard Weekly, 20; Evan Rogers, 20; Junior Lewis, 19; and Jaylen Hopewell, 20.

Surveillance footage captured the four men arriving in a vehicle, APD said. The suspects positioned themselves behind a dumpster in the alleyway, apparently waiting. When Rock walked past, the four men rushed him and knocked him to the ground.

Weekly shot first, investigators allege. A second shot was fired while Rock was already on the ground. Officers responding to reports found Rock suffering from gunshot wounds. He died at the scene.

Police said acoustic gunshot detection technology recorded two shots fired at around 10:47 p.m. on May 13. By Thursday evening, the police said all four suspects had been arrested earlier in the day.

Detectives said the attack appeared to be “pre-planned.” But authorities have yet to publicly discuss a possible motive for the fatal shooting or detail the relationship, if any, between the suspects and the victim.

The latest shooting incident added to ongoing concerns about violent crime in areas surrounding the university zone, where student housing, nightlife, and traffic corridors intersect in a concentrated area.

Sip, Savor, Celebrate, and More —Cocktail Week Takes Over New Mexico

Juan Oliveros
-
0
Sip, Savor, Celebrate, and More —Cocktail Week Takes Over New Mexico

New Mexico has a culinary reputation for smoky red and green chile, a thriving craft beer culture, and one of the oldest wine-crafting heritages in the United States. Now, another scene is steadily emerging: craft cocktails.

That evolution will be on display during the fourth annual New Mexico Cocktail Week, a nine-day celebration running from May 30 through June 7. The celebration will spread across bars, restaurants, and distilleries across Albuquerque to Santa Fe and smaller communities, such as Las Cruces, Silver City, and Las Vegas, New Mexico.

It started as a niche gathering for cocktail enthusiasts. Now, it has grown into a showcase of bartending talent across the state, artisan spirits, and food and beverage businesses offering new ways to bring people through their doors.

“Businesses, especially in the hospitality industry, are struggling a lot right now,” said Stephanie Cameron, publisher of Edible New Mexico and one of the event’s founders. “It’s been a great opportunity for folks to come together as a community and help uplift the community.”

Cameron and The Liquid Muse founder Natalie Bovis rolled out the event four years ago, hoping to create something that felt both celebratory and collaborative. This year, Cameron estimates that roughly 35 establishments are taking part in some form.

Some participating venues are going all in with pairing dinners, tastings, brunches, and cocktail classes. Others are taking a simpler approach: they offer a signature drink created specifically for the week-long celebration. “There are options for everyone,” Cameron said.

The schedule is available through the event’s official website, New Mexico Cocktail Week. Guests can browse the website for participating venues and ticketed events.

Unofficially, the festivities start May 28 with Taco Wars at the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market. Bovis will host the event during which attendees vote for their favorite taco and cocktail pairings. The official kickoff follows on May 30. It will open with parallel events: Milk of the Poppy tasting, a Bloody Mary brunch at Tractor Brewing Co., Wells Park, and a Corpse Reviver Party at As Above, So Below Distillery.

The distillery will host the event’s unofficial finale, ‘Apertivo in the Afternoon,’ on June 7.

Cameron said that many businesses focused mainly on hosting events last year. This year, more businesses appear interested in creating featured cocktails as a marketing central attraction — perhaps, signalling that the state’s cocktail culture is becoming more integrated into everyday dining and nightlife.

Even so, the Edible New Mexico publisher expects some 25 to 30 organized activities throughout the week.

The event also reflects changes in American drinking culture. In particular, younger consumers are gravitating more toward low-alcohol or alcohol-free alternatives. A 2022 IWSR Drinks Market study documented that sales of no‑ and low‑alcohol beverages grew by more than 7 percent in volume across 10 major markets worldwide, including the U.S.

Organizers hope that this shift will be embraced more fully in the future. “I do think that the move, especially with younger audiences, is more towards mocktails,” Cameron said. “They still want to have an experience, but not necessarily the buzz.”

Organizers hope future Cocktail Week editions will encourage participating establishments to showcase cocktails alongside nonalcoholic options.

Beyond the shifting tastes, the festival’s growth reflects the rapid maturation of New Mexico’s cocktail industry. More restaurants are getting craft spirit licenses, more distilleries are opening, and more bartenders are treating cocktail‑making as a gastronomic art rather than simply a nightlife accessory. “It is definitely growing and progressing every year,” Cameron said. “We have more bars focused on the cocktail experience, and we definitely get more restaurants getting creative with New Mexico spirits on their menu.”

The movement is beginning to spread beyond the state’s major urban areas. Participating businesses this year include Blue Moon Bar & Grill, Little Toad Creek Brewery and Distillery, and The Skillet.

The cocktail shaker may now be earning its place in a state long celebrated for its beer taps and vineyards.

APS Superintendent Honors Graduates: ‘Make the World a Better Place’

Gregg Morgan
-
0
APS Superintendent Honors Graduates: ‘Make the World a Better Place’

As graduation week begins Monday, Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent Gabriella Durán Blakey celebrates students and honors their successes. She said every graduate’s achievement deserves recognition, along with the dedication of APS staff who helped make those accomplishments possible.

“I’m always blown away when I hear their amazing stories of determination, perseverance and triumph. I am so proud of what they’ve achieved over these last dozen or so years, and I’m grateful to the teachers, principals and other APS staffers who were there for them throughout the journey,” Durán Blakey said. 

She highlighted some outstanding students she considers an inspiration to everyone. 

For one, Wealth Eze, a senior at Del Norte High School. She adjusted to a completely new way of life after moving from South Africa to Albuquerque. She persevered through the transition and now plans to attend Grand Canyon University in Arizona to study Business Information Systems.

Durán Blakey also recognized Alex Valdez, a Del Norte senior sidelined for a semester after a serious motorcycle accident. He pushed himself to recover and completed the work he missed, graduating with his class. Valdez plans to attend Central New Mexico Community College to earn his EMT license. 

Another is Luna Ortiz, a New Futures High School senior. She juggled her school work with caring for her son. She credits her family’s support throughout her journey. Ortiz also credits a school system that focuses on helping young parents reach graduation. 

“We have amazing graduates throughout our district,” Durán Blakey said as she continued recalling inspiring students. 

Kayla Garcia, who is graduating from Valley High School, will attend Duke University on a full-ride scholarship. She ultimately plans to go to veterinary school. 

Then, Ava Wagenman, who attends La Cueva High School and the Career Enrichment Center. She plans to pursue a career in medicine in New Mexico. She has been accepted into the BA to MD Program. The program at the University of New Mexico allows students to transition directly into medical school after completing their undergraduate degree.

Meanwhile, Anisha Jombo, who attends West Mesa High School, plans to study biochemistry at UNM. She aims to become an emergency physician.

Kacee Larrañaga, a senior at Valley High School, plans to attend UNM to study mechanical engineering. He’s a Horatio Alger Association National Scholarship recipient who has overcome so much to get to where he is. 

According to Durán Blakey, Larrañaga wrote in his scholarship essay about being diagnosed with Type I diabetes at the age of 5. He also wrote about his mother’s Stage 3 breast cancer. His mother beat the cancer, but when Kacee was in eighth grade, his father died of COVID pneumonia. A week and a half later, his grandfather suffered a heart attack and also passed away.

“These struggles would be a lot for anyone to deal with, let alone a young man. Rather than allowing those obstacles to derail his dreams, he overcame them, maintaining straight As throughout high school and securing a scholarship that will allow him to be debt-free when he graduates from college,” the superintendent said. 

“These are the types of amazing graduates we produce at APS, and I couldn’t be prouder!” she added. 

While expressing pride in APS graduates, Durán Blakey also recognized parents and staff supporting students’ success.

“But as I’ve said many times, they didn’t get there on their own. They had amazing families, teachers, principals and others along the way who encouraged them and helped them realize that they would succeed if they kept working hard. So, thank you to everyone who helped these kids,” she said. 

She said Larrañaga credits Serri Grube, his engineering teacher, for her constant support. Grube kept snacks on hand in case his blood sugar dropped and always checked in on him. Larrañaga said Grube made him feel seen.

“Thank you, Ms. Grube, for seeing this student was carrying a heavy load and stepping up for him, and thank you to the many other APS staffers who are doing the same thing each and every day,” Durán Blakey said. 

“Congratulations to the Class of 2026! You are amazing and you’re going to make the world a better place.”

Las Cruces Catholic Diocese Pushes Back Against Border Wall Land Grab That Threatens Sacred Mount Cristo Rey

Juan Oliveros
-
0
Las Cruces Catholic Diocese Pushes Back Against Border Wall Land Grab That Threatens Sacred Mount Cristo Rey

A Roman Catholic diocese in southern New Mexico is resisting a federal government-initiated effort to seize church-owned land near the U.S.-Mexico border. The legal skirmish is setting up a constitutional clash between border security and religious freedom that threatens sacred Mount Cristo Rey, one of the region’s most revered pilgrimage sites.

In a civil action filed on May 7 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, the U.S. government moved to seize the land owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces. The court filing claims the land through eminent domain to expand border wall infrastructure in southern New Mexico.

DHS Offers Compensation

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requested the submission of the court filing. It said the land would be used to “construct, install, operate, and maintain roads, fencing, vehicle barriers, security lighting, cameras, sensors,” and other structures to secure the border between the United States and Mexico.

The property DHS wants to acquire lies northwest of El Paso, an area where the government plans to build an extensive border wall system. Federal officials said the government will compensate the defendants approximately $183,000 for the land. The filing also named the treasurer of Doña Ana County in the case.

Catholic Diocese Pushes Back

The Catholic diocese, however, argues the land is not merely real estate. The land seizure, according to the diocese in its court filing a day after the government’s action, would “substantially burden” the religious freedom of the church and worshippers. It stressed that they use the property for prayer and pilgrimage for nearly a century.

Mount Cristo Rey lies at the center of the dispute. It is a popular religious site overlooking the border between the U.S. and Mexico, where a 29-foot-tall statue of Christ stands on top of the mountain. The site draws thousands of pilgrims each year, particularly during religious observances and Holy Week rites.

Church officials contend that the federal seizure of the land would interfere with sacred land, associated with Catholic devotion in the region for a long time. The diocese informed the court that the takeover would amount to “a significant infringement on religious freedom and the rights of worship.” It cited protections under the First Amendment.

The filing of the Catholic diocese asked the court to halt the eminent domain proceedings unless the constitutional issues surrounding the site’s religious significance are resolved.

The case represents a new dimension to America’s ongoing border wall battles. These border wall skirmishes often centered on environmental concerns, private property rights, and immigration politics. In this instance, the battle reaches into a symbolic intersection of faith, land, and federal power — a towering statue of Christ, standing in the path of a proposed border wall.

Officials and U.S. Air Force Agree on PFAS Cleanup Plan at Cannon

Victoria Padilla
-
0
Officials and U.S. Air Force Agree on PFAS Cleanup Plan at Cannon

In New Mexico, environmental officials have reached an agreement with the US Air Force concerning the release of PFAS from Cannon Air Force Base. The ongoing PFAS cleanup at Cannon Air Force Base has become a major priority for the region. Because of their long-lasting effects on drinking water, agriculture, and community health, remediation of the area surrounding Cannon AFB has become imperative. This is especially important for the surrounding communities.

PFAS‑based foam materials used for fire suppression contaminated groundwater near Clovis and Cannon Air Force Base. This contamination is due to the use of PFAS-based foam materials for fire suppression at Cannon AFB. Furthermore, local farmers and residents continue to press for accountability concerning PFAS contamination.

The PFAS cleanup approach includes actions such as managing water bodies and cleaning up contaminated soil. Additionally, it involves partnering up with the surrounding entities.

Officials outlined cleanup actions, including managing water bodies, cleaning polluted soil, and partnering with surrounding entities. Moreover, the actions aim to help restore confidence in the area. They also aim to provide safety for public health, along with the agricultural community.

The header signifies the progression of years of conflict between state officials and the military. It also emphasizes the importance of working together to resolve PFAS contamination.

In summary, the PFAS cleanup processes around Cannon AFB highlight the need for federal and state cooperation. The next steps for the PFAS cleanup will be outlined through the implementation of the above mentioned plan.

However, the cleanup indicates a commitment to protecting people and the environment in New Mexico from the long-term impacts of PFAS contamination.

Agencies Focus on Outreach as Screwworm Threat Approaches

Victoria Padilla
-
0
Agencies Focus on Outreach as Screwworm Threat Approaches

As the New World screwworm moves closer to New Mexico, state agencies are focusing on outreach and early warning systems. Officials say the New Mexico screwworm outbreak response will depend on coordination between several organisations. However, they have not provided an outline of the overall response plan.

This headline is important because the US eliminated the screwworm many years ago. However, it is now prevalent in Mexico and is likely entering the United States. This underscores the need for a rapid response to the New Mexico outbreak of screwworm. This could potentially affect livestock, wildlife, and people.

For example, if an animal has a screwworm infestation, the maggots will invade through the animal’s wound. If not treated, they will kill the animal within 7–14 days. In response to the threat, New Mexico authorities may have to act quickly to address the screwworm outbreak.

In addition, ranchers in southern New Mexico are also concerned that the screwworm may spread into the area from approximately 180 miles away along a rugged border. This rugged area makes it difficult to monitor wildlife. As a result, it also complicates efforts to respond to screwworm outbreaks in New Mexico.

Agencies are undertaking a range of activities, including creating brochures, developing a communication system, and exploring the use of game cameras to help identify infestations. All of these efforts are designed to quickly educate ranchers and hunters. In fact, such education plays a major role in the response to the screwworm outbreak New Mexico is preparing for. It aims to show how to identify infestations early. Furthermore, it helps minimize cattle losses.

The headline speaks to the balancing act of outreach and the state’s inability to produce a detailed plan of action. Ranchers believe that communication is essential. However, without a specific action plan, the state may find it difficult to control the pest if it reaches New Mexico. Therefore, creating a robust New Mexico screwworm outbreak response strategy remains a priority for many.

In summary, the State of New Mexico is demonstrating that community monitoring and education are very important. Ranchers, however, want to see stronger, more coordinated plans of action to truly ensure an effective response to a screwworm outbreak in New Mexico.

Additionally, the dollar amount of beef is currently very high. However, if truckloads of screwworms arrive, it could aggravate the already difficult economic conditions for ranchers. This would prompt the need for a comprehensive New Mexico screwworm outbreak response.

UNM Steps Up to Cut Food Waste, Boost Food Access

Gregg Morgan
-
0
UNM Steps Up to Cut Food Waste, Boost Food Access

Food waste remains a long-standing concern in New Mexico. Farms and consumer-facing businesses continue to contribute to significant environmental, economic, and social challenges through food loss and waste. At the University of New Mexico (UNM), students spearheaded an initiative aimed at addressing the issue. 

UNM students are driving a growing effort to recover surplus food, support peers, and reduce waste. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identifies food waste as a major contributor to landfill emissions in the United States. 

The university’s students tackle that challenge by redirecting edible food away from the trash to people in need. Their efforts also support UNM’s sustainability goals by reducing waste and emissions. 

This spring, campus dining, student volunteers, and organizations expanded UNM’s food recovery through stronger partnerships. The program diverts waste and strengthens a culture of care and resource sharing. It aligns with UNM 2040 goals and the 2025 UNM Sustainability Strategic Plan.

What the Data Shows

Recent March and April data underscore the scale of the effort:

  • 698 pounds of food recovered
  • 2,450 food items redistributed
  • 105 food pickups completed
  • 581 meals provided

Students and faculty mentors coordinate pickups, manage logistics, and deliver recovered food to the Lobo Food Pantry in the Student Union Building. The UNM Food Recovery Network chapter plays a central role in the initiative, supported by a Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education grant. It transforms potential waste into a source of support for students.

“Through this effort, students are building systems that not only reduce waste but also ensure their peers have increased access to food. It’s sustainability in action, grounded in community care,” said Jessica Rowland, associate director of the Sustainability Studies Program and faculty adviser for the UNM Food Recovery Network.

Campus dining partners also played a role in the program’s growth. Mercado and Chick-fil-A helped build early momentum for the initiative. Einstein Bros. Bagels became a major contributor in April through regular bagel donations, now supplying a significant share of recovered food.

“We see food recovery as an important tool in addressing food insecurity on campus,” said Amanda Gerard, director of Dining and Hospitality. “Our goal is to make sure excess food doesn’t go to waste when it can instead support students who need it.”

How Technology Supports the Effort

Technology has also helped expand the initiative. App LoboEats connects departments and organizations with students, faculty, and staff by enabling real-time posting of leftover food from meetings and events. The platform reduces unnecessary and improves access to available food resources.

Students view its impact as both practical and personal. 

“It feels good knowing that something that might have been thrown away is actually helping someone get through their day,” said a student volunteer with the Food Recovery Network. “You’re not just talking about sustainability, you’re actually doing it, and you can see the difference.”

“Through the UNM Food Loss & Waste initiative, we’ve diverted close to 700 pounds of food from the trash, redirecting it to the campus food pantry to support students in need,” said sustainability student Kingsley Nelson. “This effort directly addresses student food insecurity while significantly reducing our community’s overall food waste, creating a more sustainable and supportive campus environment.”

As the initiative grows, organizers actively encourage more students and campus partners to join the cause. With increased participation, the program can evolve into a long-term system that supports student well-being while reducing environmental impact.

1...212223...81Page 22 of 81