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Kindred Fellowship

Transforming the school food system

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A school food leadership program

The Kindred Fellowship is a nine-month leadership program designed to equip school nutrition professionals and emerging school food leaders in transforming their fields. Built on our 15 years of expertise in school food systems, the fellowship will provide leaders with evidence-based, community-centered tools they can bring to their own schools. The name Kindred is a nod to the Octavia E. Butler novel, honoring the book’s essential themes of Legacy, Community, and Influence—elements that define this influential network of change agents.

The Kindred Fellowship is open to school nutrition professionals and others aspiring to careers in this field. Applications for the 2027 cohort open June 29, 2029. Share you contact information below and we’ll email you when the application is live. 

Kindred Fellowship Curriculum

As a Kindred fellow, you’ll learn how to drive change in school nutrition through community-centered, evidence-based practices.

The fellowship includes monthly, 75-minute virtual learning sessions; pre-reading and reflection activities; an in-person advocacy gathering in Washington, DC; and a culminating comprehensive project in your home institution. Throughout the year, you’ll sharpen your skills in these areas:

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    Leadership development

    Grow as a communicator, collaborator, and project manager in service of your goals

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    Data and analysis

    Understand the quantitative and qualitative tools that will help you make a measurable difference

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    Storytelling for change

    Reach more people through powerful personal narratives

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    Policy and advocacy

    Leverage your experience to shape local, state, and federal policies

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Fellowship Benefits

Participation in the Kindred Fellowship is free. The cohort of up to 30 fellows will receive:

  • Nine months of leadership training through monthly virtual sessions
  • Personalized coaching and feedback

  • Guided work plans toward the culminating project
  • Connection with values-aligned participants
  • Monthly digital advocacy engagement
  • A fully-paid convening in Washington, DC, providing hands-on engagement in policy advocacy at the program’s conclusion

Key Dates

2026

Jun. 29

Application Opens

2026

July 31

Application Closes

2026

Oct. 1

Fellowship Starts

2027

June

In-Person Convening in Washington, DC*

2027

July

Fellowship Concludes

2027

Summer

2028 Application Opens