OUR STORy: NM Foodcorps
“Food is fundamental; it is what truly nourishes us and keeps us going.” – Tatyana
Our Origins…
My name is Tatyana Trujillo, and I am a native New Mexican. My journey with food began in college while I was living outside of New Mexico. It was then I realized how deeply my upbringing and life were intertwined with food.
I found a perfect opportunity with FoodCorps. I served as a member during the pandemic, working at the La Plazita Institute. I managed their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) garden and witnessed the profound, lasting impact of freshly harvested food being provided to families during a global crisis. This experience fueled my passion and inspired me to remain deeply immersed in this work.
What Food as Medicine Means
Food as Medicine is a broad framework, not a single concept, demonstrating that there are many different approaches to healing through food. It is a framework with various approaches to wellness and healing.
It emphasizes that Food as Medicine can be seen through: student empowerment, growing food, local economy, and community building.
The concept of food as medicine resonates with me as a reminder of healing—not just physical nourishment, but the healing we experience with others and within the mind. Food is fundamental; it is what truly nourishes us and keeps us going.
Our Everyday Work
FoodCorps established its partnership in New Mexico with the belief that every student deserves to be fed and nourished. This mission remains alive through partnerships with San Felipe Elementary School and La Semilla Food Center. Members advance food literacy, student agency, and cultural connection through traditional foods, language, cooking, and learning where food comes from. Advocacy efforts included supporting a successful Youth for Food Day at the State Capitol.
This work is not easy, which is why it is even more important to continue advocating. Given uncertainty within our food system, we must work to secure healthy, fresh food options for children and their futures.
From idea to now, what’s your journey?
I served as a member during the pandemic, working at the La Plazita Institute. I managed their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) garden and witnessed the lasting impact of freshly harvested food being provided to families during a global crisis.
FoodCorps was founded in 2010 and established a partnership with New Mexico in 2011. The belief that every student deserves to be fed and nourished remains alive through partnerships with schools and community organizations. Our advocacy included supporting Youth for Food Day at the State Capitol.
This work is not easy. That is why it is important to continue advocating to ensure students remain at the forefront of the changes we are pushing for, especially given the uncertainty within our food system.
What Stays With You About Food as Medicine?
The concept of food as medicine resonates with me as a reminder of healing, not just physical nourishment, but the healing we experience with others and within the mind. Hearing diverse personal stories and sources of inspiration has far-reaching power. Food also creates essential opportunities for connection and community. Without food, we could not be the people we are today.
What We’re Reaching for
“Every student deserves to be fed and nourished.” -Tatyana
