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Students
Graduating with Impact: The Legacy of Fare Trade
ŮٱƵAll it took was a little idea.ŮٱƵ
Tasfia Rahim ŮٱƵ23 is set to walk across the Commencement stage later this month with a BA in Political Science, a BA in Economics, and a Community Service Award. But sheŮٱƵs leaving one of her greatest accomplishments behind, right here at Pace.
Back in 2020, Tasfia Rahim ŮٱƵ23, Alex Kennedy ŮٱƵ22, and Marisa Medici ŮٱƵ22 had a small idea. They had long been acquainted with jokes of college students surviving off ramen or sleeping through meals, but the pandemic brought the issue of food insecurity into even sharper focus as they saw food pantry lines stretching across their neighborhoods. Newly selected as UN ŮٱƵ Fellows, they came together with an idea for a project: tackling food insecurity on campus.
For a year, they conceptualized an idea, collaborated across multiple University departments, and finally solidified their idea. They established Fare Trade, a mutual aid fund where students could re-allocate meal plan dollars to students in need. Beyond running and marketing the program, they also planned to help fortify existing food insecurity services and raise awareness.
Fare Trade launched in the Spring semester of 2022. In the meantime, both Alex and Marisa have graduated, leaving Tasfia to continue the custodianship of the program on her own. Now, three semesters later, Fare Trade is stronger than ever and is firmly established as an institution created by students, for students.
The shape of Fare Trade has grown but by its very nature, itŮٱƵs ever-evolving. ŮٱƵDuring our first semester, we distributed $500, but last semester we saw significantly less,ŮٱƵ Tasfia explains. Interestingly, that dip in donations may come from Fare TradeŮٱƵs mission of raising awareness about food insecurity. ŮٱƵThere was so much conversation about food insecurity, and students rising up to voice their concerns,ŮٱƵ Tasfia explains. ŮٱƵSo, their mindset was less about giving but rather about having their voices heard.ŮٱƵ
Little passion projects like that makes such a huge difference to students.
Fortunately, those conversations did elevate the issue and ignited action from across the University. New York CityŮٱƵs Student Government Association rose to the challenge and donated $5,000 to Fare Trade to be distributed. Which proved necessary, as Fare TradeŮٱƵs dip in donations coincided with a rise in number of appeals. Fare Trade began with 10 applicants in the first year to now 96ŮٱƵlikely, once more, the result of raised awareness, and expected to grow. With this help from SGA, Fare Trade distributed $5,538.50 to 50 students in need this spring.
Pace also launched a Food Insecurity task force, where Tasfia participates in the funding group. ŮٱƵThereŮٱƵs only so much students can do for each other, the University needs to take a step to address this issue. Which they are now with the Food Insecurity Taskforce,ŮٱƵ Tasfia says. ŮٱƵThereŮٱƵs a lot of conversation, which I appreciate. Now we need to see action.ŮٱƵ Since its founding, Pace has urged community members to support food assistance programs currently in place, created a permanent food pantry on the Pleasantville Campus, and is currently re-evaluating meal plan options for students.
The program is in safe hands, even after Tasfia graduates. Fare Trade is now officially recognized and falls under the umbrella of the Dean for StudentŮٱƵs department, ensuring its longevity. Even more encouraging is that the Fare Trade Coordinator will be a work-study position, empowering student workers to dedicate the time and effort Fare Trade demands. ŮٱƵItŮٱƵs a lot of work because thereŮٱƵs so much communication, not only with the student body but also with the administration and other collaborators,ŮٱƵ Tasfia explains. And even better? ŮٱƵWith our expansion onto the Westchester Campus in the fall, theyŮٱƵll be a paid coordinator position on both campuses.ŮٱƵ
I never anticipated my freshman year that when I graduated IŮٱƵd have this big projectŮٱƵa legacyŮٱƵIŮٱƵm leaving behind.
SheŮٱƵs not just excited about where Fare Trade will go but is thrilled to see other students rising up to make an impact. ŮٱƵSo many good things come out Pace and especially the UN ŮٱƵ Fellowship, such as the period poverty project. I love that there are now so many period products in the bathrooms, I see such a big changeŮٱƵ See? Little passion projects like that makes such a huge difference to students.ŮٱƵ
TasfiaŮٱƵs plan for after graduation is to continue on to law school, but in the short term sheŮٱƵs excited to see what new passion project grips her.
ŮٱƵI never anticipated my freshman year that when I graduated IŮٱƵd have this big projectŮٱƵa legacyŮٱƵIŮٱƵm leaving behind. I would have never guessed,ŮٱƵ says Tasfia. But according to her, thatŮٱƵs what is special about Pace. ŮٱƵYou will find your community somewhere here. Someone shares the same values as you and youŮٱƵre going to help each other work on something you care about. ItŮٱƵs amazing that Pace gives these platforms to students, and thatŮٱƵs something IŮٱƵll always appreciate.ŮٱƵ
Learn more about the food insecurity initiatives and programs at Pace.
More from Pace
Pace Magazine
Community led food pantries have been supporting Pace Community members facing food insecurity for many years. See the options in Westchester and New York City.
Pace Magazine
Through the U.N. ŮٱƵ Fellowship, three Pace students are innovating the way food insecurity is addressed on campus with the Fare Trade program.
Students
Criminal Justice major and ŮٱƵ Fellow Danielle Harari set out to tackle period poverty in prison before realizing the issue was impacting her on-campus community. Now, with help and inspiration from fellow students, sheŮٱƵs working to ensure every student in need on has access menstrual products.