News
Three tienditas on campus are available for students, employees
Luna Community College students, staff, and faculty who want a quick bite to eat or something to drink or snack on can visit one of three tienditas on campus or grab a quick snack from one of the many micro-pantries across the campus.
“Starting this fall, we have three tienditas (little stores) which are open and free to everyone,” says Crystal Western Ford, Rough Rider Success Specialist. “One is in the Maria Paiz Administration Building, the other is in the second floor of the Student Success Building next to the Veteran’s office and the third is in the kitchen area next to the cafeteria.”
Western Ford says that in all three areas, there are frozen meals, microwaves available and a variety of snacks and drinks.
“Sometimes there may be yogurt and fruits too,” says Western Ford. “We’ve had quite a bit of success this semester. We appreciate all feedback and suggestions.”
Western Ford says that all three tienditas are open Monday through Friday, with kitchen area available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The tiendita at the administration building is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the tiendita in the Student Success Building is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“Each place has a sign-up sheet and we are asking everyone to abide by the limit and sign in for data purposes,” says Western Ford. “It’s all free.”
After a slow start in the spring of 2023, Western Ford says that as more people are aware of the services, it has picked up.
“This fall, during the first week of class, people are wanting meals and snacks,” says Western Ford. “I hope we are serving the needs of everyone.”
If you want to know more about the food program or have a suggestion, please email Western Ford at cwesterford@luna.edu. We are always looking for volunteers and are seeking additional funding to employ student workers.”
The LCC Foundation created the first tiendita using funds received from the Las Vegas NM Community Foundation as well as donations. Feeding Rough Rider Success is a grant from the New Mexico Higher Education Department under the direction of Dr. Carol Linder, Director of Allied Health/Public Service.