*Indicates members of core partner organizations
Vice President, Programs & Development
The Food Trust
As Vice President of Programs and Development, Jessica focuses on implementation of strategic initiatives, programmatic synergies, operational infrastructure, and fundraising for long-term sustainability. She also oversees The Food Trust’s Communications department and serves as liaison to the organization’s Board of Directors. Jessica brings more than 20 years of nonprofit experience in areas ranging from program management to fund development to volunteer management, and most recently served as Senior Director of Development at Maternity Care Coalition. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Lock Haven University and a Master of Public Health degree from Boston University.
CEO & Founder,
Coalition for Food and Health Equity
Dr. Leeja Carter is a Fulbright Scholar, feminist changemaker, and expert on inclusive and equity-focused practice in health and wellness. Toiling in racial justice, health equity, and inclusive access, she brings 15+ years of experience in research, health and sports equity, development, and leading to her position as founder and CEO of the Coalition for Food and Health Equity.
Co-Founder, Lead Facilitator,
Food Democracy Collaborative
Jeanine is the lead facilitator of New Jersey Food Democracy Collaborative, which is a state-level food system policy and systems-change network, using the food policy council model to address challenges in farm viability, climate resilience, and healthy, local food access. She enjoys facilitating cross-sector collaborations, building solidarity, and increasing inclusive civic engagement for better food policy. Her passion for food and agriculture policy and re-localizing food systems comes from a deep fascination with pro-democracy and civil and worker’s rights movements, and the art and science of political transformation.
New Jersey Resident,
Community Member
Christina joined the committee to provide a face / voice on food insecurity and its effects.
Vice President, Community & Equity Initiatives,
New Jersey YMCA State Alliance
Marissa is passionate about supporting communities' and increasing food security especially in neighborhoods and communities that have not been provided equitable access to fair affordable housing, education, recreation and/or economic opportunity.
President,
Community Foundation of New Jersey
Hans has been a resident of New Jersey for twenty years and as part of his work at the Community Foundation, they were part of the relief work related to food security especially as it was related to our state's response to the pandemic.
Deputy Director,
Fair Share Housing Center
President & CEO,
New Jersey Food Council
New Jersey Resident,
Community Member
New Jersey Resident,
Community Member
Department Chair/Associate Professor,
Family & Community Health Sciences, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Sara's research focuses on the use of policy, systems, and environmental approaches to promote child health equity and environmental stewardship, primarily in school and community settings. Sara has received research funding from the USDA, EPA, NJDEP and Horizon Foundation to research the intersection of nutrition literacy, environmental education, and healthy eating.
Director, Food Security,
New Jersey Economic Development Authority
Rucha is passionate about fostering healthy, vibrant food systems for all because food is a connection between people, culture, health, the environment, and economic development. This purpose has led her to leadership roles in non-profits and government, where she designs equitable and scalable products that deliver for the customer while enabling individuals, businesses, and communities to thrive.
Senior Director, Policy & Advocacy,
Community Food Bank of New Jersey
Adele is passionate about working to ensure everyone has the food they need to survive and thrive. It’s so important to coordinate efforts and ensure there’s as little duplication as possible. She hopes this committee will help in those efforts.
New Jersey Resident,
Community Member
Wandalynn is passionate about empowering people to move forward and informing them about issues which affect them in underserved communities. Helping them to know what services are available to them and how to navigate in order to be provided with whatever services they may qualify for.
Executive Director,
City Green
Jennifer is the Founder and Executive Director of City Green, a nonprofit farming and gardening organization providing practical, technical and financial resources to foster equitable access to local food and green spaces, in support of sustainable, healthy communities. Jennifer leads all aspects of the organization from program development and property enhancements to fundraising and strategic planning, forging a positive path forward for local food systems, while using the beauty and enchantment of public garden and farm installations to inspire new pride in communities, and ensure good food for all.
Director,
Hunger Free New Jersey*
Lisa has been with Hunger Free New Jersey since 2002 and is passionate about creating large scale, systematic solutions to food insecurity and economic struggle in our state. As a member of the NJFSI Advisory Committee, she looks forward to working collaboratively with a broad network of partners across the state to strategize and implement policies and projects that will promote equitable access to critical programs like SNAP, WIC and school meals to ensure that all in New Jersey have healthy food to eat.
Research & Evaluation Strategy Manager,
Office of the Food Security Advocate*
Dr. Jenny Schrum works as the NJ Office of the Food Security
Advocate’s Research & Evaluation Strategy Manager. Her role includes
establishing food security theoretical and operational understanding as
well as implementing research efforts to recognize multi-sector best
practices and gaps in understanding. Prior to this role, Jenny worked as
Director of Strategy & Evaluation at City Green, a New Jersey non-profit
implementing sustainable agriculture, environmental education, and a
statewide Good Food Bucks program. In addition to these positions
Jenny has served on committees at the Capital Area Food Bank, the DC
Diaper Bank, AmeriCorps, and Rutgers School of Social Work’s Doctoral
Student Association. Jenny holds a Ph.D. and Master of
Social Work degree from Rutgers University and a Master of Public
Health degree from George Washington University.
VP of Operations,
Bayshore Recycling Corp.
Gary is the VP of Operations for Bayshore Recycling of Woodbridge, NJ, one of the largest recyclers in the Northeast. He joined Bayshore following 30 years at the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. He served as the agency’s Chief of Staff for 10 years under 6 Governors. He is Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Sustainable Jersey Program, former Co-Chair of the NJ Climate Change Alliance, Vice Chair of the Governor appointed Plastics Advisory Council and Co-Chair of the Legislative Committee of the Association of New Jersey Recyclers.
Director,
WIC Program NJMS Pediatrics, Rutgers University
Susan’s experience in the nutrition field, many of which have been in the areas of Community and Public Health Nutrition has focused on her passion of serving underserved communities. She has worked with several USDA funded programs and among all ages, while identifying the food security needs or low income; underserved populations within NJ. This passion stems from proudly being a first generation American, daughter of immigrant parents, who looked like many of the families she meets in her professional work.
Commissioner,
Bergen County
Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur spearheaded the formation of the Food Security Task Force, which has now evolved into the Office of Food Security, to comprehensively address the issue of hunger within Bergen County. Her work included everything from emergency food assistance during the pandemic to enhancing pantry infrastructure. Most notably, she connected pantries to each other, forming a community of support and an environment of collaboration. She formulated a “No Wrong Door Approach”, utilizing the Oasis platform to connect pantries and their clients to services that comprehensively support residents in need, regardless of where they initially seek help. This innovative model has been recognized by the National Association of Counties and touted as groundbreaking by the New Jersey Food Security Advocate. Commissioner Zur has been on the Rutgers Organics Work Group Food for Waste Reduction and is excited for the work to come as an Advisory Committee Member of NJFSI.
Deputy Division Director,
DFD, DHS (SNAP)
Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives
New Jersey Hospital Association
Director,
New Jersey Department of Health WIC
New Jersey Food Security Initiative
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