Giovanni Farias is a CalFresh Advocate and Basic Needs Peer Advisor at UCSB, where he helps students identify solutions to their basic needs, develop action plans, connect with campus resources, and navigate the CalFresh application process. His interest in Basic Needs comes from his own experience navigating the many resources available to students. Knowing how overwhelming it can feel to figure out where to turn for support and how important that support can be to succeeding in college. Giovanni wanted to help other students feel more comfortable finding solutions for their needs. Outside of his role, Giovanni regularly volunteers around campus through activities such as community cleanups and outreach tabling. He grew up in Azusa, California, and enjoys sports, philosophy, and discovering new music in his free time.