CALIFORNIA
Berkeley Food Institute
Francisco Benítez
Project Scientist, Berkeley Food Institute
Francisco is a project scientist at Berkeley Food Institute. He holds a PhD from Wageningen University & Research. He has a multi-disciplinary background specializing in food value chains, acquired from his labor experience in governmental institutions and academic career. His research addresses policy and socioeconomic barriers toward sustainable food systems.
INDIANA
Office of Public Health & Safety, City of Indianapolis
Milele Kennedy
Director of Community Nutrition & Food Policy, City of Indianapolis
Milele Kennedy is the Director of the City of Indianapolis, Division of Community Nutrition and Food Policy. A principal advisor to the Mayor’s Office on matters related to food access and security in Indianapolis, Milele has over 15 years working within the food system serving in several roles including as the Food Policy and Program Coordinator for the Office of Public Health and Safety and as the Food Programs Manager for Indy Parks.
MAINE
Maine Network of Community Food Councils
Darcy Cooke
State Coordinator, Maine Network of Community Food Councils
Darcy is a former chef turned community organizer and food justice advocate. She has been coordinating the Maine Network of Community Food Councils for the past two years. To learn more about this group, visit their website at mainefoodcouncils.net.
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Ken Morse
NEW YORK
Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance
Maura Ackerman
Director, Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance
Maura was among the many co-founders of the Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance and has served as the food council’s director since its inception in 2019. Maura loves bringing people together to build multiracial, cross-sector collaborations that advance a more just world for all.
TEXAS
Office of Sustainability, City of Austin
Edwin Marty
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Amanda Rohlich
Food Policy Advisor, City of Austin
Amanda serves as a food policy advisor for the City of Austin, currently working to develop the area’s first food plan. She enjoys collaborating cross-sectorally to leverage her position in local government in support of community-driven solutions to food system issues. Learn more about Austin/Travis County’s food plan and other initiatives of the City of Austin Food Team here.
PAST STATE PARTNERS
Sakeenah Shabazz, formerly of Berkeley Food Institute