Government Shutdown Risks Millions of Families’ Well-Being
Kindred Fellowship
Transforming the school food system
A school food leadership program
The Kindred Fellowship is a seven-month leadership program designed to support school nutrition professionals 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 Butler novel, honoring the book’s themes of history, belonging, and power.
The Kindred Fellowship is open to school nutrition professionals and others aspiring to careers in this field. Applications for the 2026 cohort open in November 2025. Preview the application here.
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:
Leadership development
Grow as a communicator, collaborator, and project manager in service of your goals
Data and analysis
Understand the quantitative and qualitative tools that will help you make a measurable difference
Storytelling for change
Reach more people through powerful personal narratives
Policy and advocacy
Leverage your experience to shape local, state, and federal policies
Fellowship Benefits
Participation in the Kindred Fellowship is free. The cohort of up to 30 fellows will receive:
- Seven months of leadership training through monthly virtual sessions
- Personalized coaching and feedback
- Guided work plans toward the culminating project
- Connection with values-aligned participants
- A fully-paid convening in Washington, DC at the program’s conclusion