Introducing FoodCorps’ New Alumni Policy Chapter Leads

This post was written by Njeri Jenkins, FoodCorps Policy Coordinator and FoodCorps Alum, and Annalise VanVranken, FoodCorps External Relations Project Manager and FoodCorps Alum.

We are thrilled to announce FoodCorps’ Alumni Policy Chapter Leads! This pilot program invites motivated and passionate FoodCorps alums to lead a new and emerging network of state-level alumni policy advocates.

With guidance and support from our alumni community, Alumni Policy Chapter Leads will play a meaningful role in establishing state policy chapters to deepen FoodCorps’ policy engagement in support of our 2030 goal. Chapter Leads will help support campaigns and advocacy priorities at the state and national levels. Our well-trained advocates will work in partnership with FoodCorps staff for the specific goal of raising community and constituent voices toward policy change.

This cohort of leaders hails from across the country, including California, Georgia, Hawai’i, Iowa, New York, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C.

Our eight Chapter Leads represent a variety of fields and industries, including nonprofits, academia, food service work, community development, and more. They are motivated, driven, passionate, and excited about policy work centered on community engagement, school food reform, and federal government programs. 

Meet the Alumni Policy Chapter Leads

Alissa Haskins (she/her) is a FoodCorps alum who served in Arkansas and Massachusetts from 2020 to 2022. She is serving as one of the Alumni Policy Chapter Leads for Washington, D.C. Alissa has worked for the federal government in the areas of administration and project management. She is excited to continue the work of equitable food systems and to become more involved in food policy. She will be supporting FoodCorps on a federal level assisting with the Farm Bill. In her free time she loves farmers markets, exploring new areas, lounging with her beagle, and all things food! 

Chelsea Krist (she/her) is a FoodCorps alum who served in Iowa from 2013 to 2015 and is serving as the Alumni Policy Chapter Lead for Iowa. Chelsea will be supporting FoodCorps policy priorities by working on the Farm Bill within Iowa and on a federal level. In Chelsea’s free time she loves to farm and spend time sharing food and dreams with friends, partners, and her pets. 

Imelda Rodriguez Benavides (she/her) is a FoodCorps alum who served in New York from 2016 to 2017. She is serving as the Alumni Policy Chapter Lead for California. Imelda graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in Food Systems Studies. Most recently she served as a Dean of Students and Families for a San Francisco charter school. Imelda has been recognized for her skills in program management, excellent performance, and high impact in learning communities. As the California Alumni Policy Chapter Lead, Imelda will be supporting FoodCorps policy priorities by working on FoodCorps’ legislative priorities within the state of California.

Kadijah Spence (they/them) is a FoodCorps alum who served in New York from 2021 to 2022. They are serving as the Alumni Policy Chapter Lead for New York. Kadijah studied environmental education and Jewish values in Jewish environmental education. Kadijah incorporates their cultural and social identities into their work to form welcoming and affirming educational spaces. They will be supporting FoodCorps’ policy priorities by working on FoodCorps’ legislative priorities within the state of New York. In their free time Kadijah enjoys gardening, nature walks, writing poetry, coloring, and watching action movies. They love to explore nature and connect with their inner self through music and community. When taking moments for themself, Kadijah believes they are recharging their battery to continue educating and advocating for their communities.

Megan (Megs or M.Q) Quiñones (she/they) is a FoodCorps Massachusetts alum who served from 2020 to 2021. Megs grew up in the Tacoma/Lakewood area of Washington. She then attended Saint Martin’s University and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Sociology/Cultural Anthropology. Megs will serve as the Alumni Policy Chapter Lead for North Carolina. Megs has experience working as a Program Officer for Grantmaking Programs at the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro. Megs will be supporting FoodCorps’ policy priorities by working on the Farm Bill on the federal level. Megan is a fierce advocate for equity, justice, and change in both her professional and community work. When Megan isn’t working, she enjoys a slow start to the morning typically including coffee and chocolate croissants. Megs also enjoys baking or cooking a new recipe, and exploring different coffee shops and markets.  

Miki Nakano (she/her) is a FoodCorps D.C. Metro Area alum. She served in D.C. from 2021 to 2022. She is serving as one of the Alumni Policy Chapter Leads for Washington, D.C. Miki works full time for FRESHFARM as a lead teacher on the Community Engagement Team as an Education Coach. She will be supporting FoodCorps on a federal level assisting with the Farm Bill.

Sage Loomis (she/her) is a FoodCorps Massachusetts alum who served from 2018 to 2019. Sage is originally from a small town in Western Massachusetts. As a child she grew food at her public elementary school garden; this inspired her to pursue a career in food systems. Sage received her Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University in Biology and Environmental Studies in 2018. After receiving her degree, Sage served as a FoodCorps service member, which deepened her goal of pursuing equity in school food systems. Sage currently works as the CSA Manager at Adaptations Food Hub, which is one of the oldest food hubs in Hawai’i. Adaptations Food Hub connects local farmers to a food distribution network in the state. Sage will be serving as the Alumni Policy Chapter Lead in Hawai’i. She is excited about improving food and environmental policy and to advocate for local and regional food policy.

Renee Nickelson (she/her) is a FoodCorps Georgia alum who served in 2016. Renee earned her Master’s degree in Food Policy. During her time as a service member she educated students on civic engagement and also spoke up for local food in schools at school board meetings. Since Renee’s completion of service, she continued to work on local and national policies in public health, agriculture sourcing, and farmer support. Renee will be serving as the Alumni Policy Chapter Lead in Georgia. She will be supporting FoodCorps’ policy priorities by working on FoodCorps’ legislative priorities within the state of Georgia. Renee is excited to be working to advance healthy school meals for all.

We’re excited to welcome these alums into their new roles! If you have any questions about the Alumni Policy Chapter Leads program, please contact Annalise and Njeri.