As the Manager of Community Food Systems, Monica works to identify and cultivate relationships with community-based organizations and local farmers to support new and existing food distributions, partnership opportunities and food access initiatives. Previously she has worked as a farm to table chef and developed food, nutrition and gardening programming for education and community organizations.

She earned her Associate of Applied Science degrees in Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts from Columbus State University. Furthermore, she has volunteered with Girls on the Run and Earth Dance Organic Farm.

Monica has three adult children and two grand-dogs. When she’s not in the office, she enjoys gardening, hiking and traveling with her husband.

From Monica:

“I believe in living and working consistent with my values. Working with others to create a more just food system by helping to eliminate food insecurity, is important to me. Food is powerful in so many ways. I enjoy empowering people with the knowledge and opportunity to make healthy choices that can improve their lives. ‘One cannot live well, think well, love well, if one has not dined well.’ – Virginia Woolf.”