Emma Thurman
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
I am a passionate advocate for nourishing individuals and communities with access to nutritious foods and avenues to learn and connect with the food system through cooking and gardening. My career demonstrates a commitment to leveraging federal nutrition programs, grant funding, and partnerships to advance the consumption of nutritious foods for diverse stakeholders. I thrive on building the strong, collaborative relationships needed to make community wellness initiatives successful.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sustainability and School Nutrition Specialist
Camden City School District
Camden, NJ
10.2025 - Current
- Promoted to current role in recognition of performance, leadership, and dedication to school nutrition programs.
- Support end-to-end grant management operations, including grant writing, program execution, and reporting.
- Maintain all core responsibilities of previous role.
Sustainability and School Nutrition Coordinator
Camden City School District
Camden, NJ
07.2023 - 10.2025
- Oversee the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) across 15 schools, impacting nearly 7,000 students; lead a team of Student FFVP Ambassadors, ensure effective implementation of nutrition activities, and file monthly reimbursement claims in strict compliance with USDA guidelines.
- Monitor and evaluate Child Nutrition Programs, including NSLP, NSBP, ASSP, CACFP, and SFSP, conducting rigorous oversight to ensure full compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Manage procurement operations with a diverse portfolio of vendors, ensuring all purchasing activities align with federal procurement regulations and budgetary guidelines.
- Supervise and mentor FoodCorps service members, conducting regular check-ins to support professional development, provide strategic guidance, and foster leadership growth.
- Coordinate monthly Community Farmers Markets, including the procurement of seasonal, local produce, volunteer management, and event logistics, while strictly upholding food safety standards.
- Design and execute community-wide educational experiences and field trips for students, staff, and community members, creating immersive learning opportunities centered on local food systems and agricultural sustainability.
- Foster collaborative relationships with School Nutrition partners to deliver comprehensive training and educational programs on culinary skills, nutrition, and gardening.
Program Monitor
Camden City School District
Camden, NJ
07.2022 - 06.2023
- Conducted comprehensive on-site monitoring reviews for Child Nutrition Programs across 8 schools, ensuring strict compliance with federal and state regulations and implementing swift corrective action plans as needed.
- Acted as the liaison between school stakeholders and the district’s Food Service Management Company (FSMC) to guarantee the delivery of efficient, safe, and high-quality food services.
- Assisted the School Nutrition team with the preparation and maintenance of accurate data and records related to monthly reimbursement claims, optimizing overall program efficiency.
- Cultivated collaborative relationships with School Nutrition partners to enhance school meal programs and provide students with diverse food and wellness education opportunities.
Garden and Nature Education Specialist
Snipes Farm & Education Center
Morrisville, PA
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Led engaging garden and nature education activities for children aged 5 to 15, fostering environmental stewardship and promoting appreciation for fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
- Facilitated hands-on experiences in the garden, including planting, harvesting, and composting, to deepen children’s understanding of agricultural practices and basic biological concepts.
- Developed and implemented educational programs to enhance student engagement.
School Nutrition Service Member
FoodCorps
Camden, NJ
08.2021 - 07.2022
- Assisted in planning and executing farm-to-school initiatives, emphasizing the promotion and education of locally grown foods within both classroom and cafeteria environments.
- Collaborated with chefs to facilitate taste tests, fostering a welcoming environment that encouraged student participation and collected feedback to advocate for menu enhancements based on student preferences.
- Developed educational and promotional materials for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, increasing acceptance and engagement among students and staff.
- Contributed to district sustainability initiatives and assisted in gathering documentation to achieve Bronze Certifications from Sustainable Jersey for Schools.
Farm-Based Education and Curriculum Design Intern
Common Roots
South Burlington, VT
06.2020 - 01.2021
- Authored and edited age-specific nutrition curricula for diverse demographics (toddlers to seniors), integrating targeted research on the cultural, historical, and nutritional significance of various foods.
- Facilitated experiential, land-based lessons in an educational garden for youth aged 4–12, teaching hands-on topics including nutritious cooking, medicinal plant use, and sustainable papermaking.
- Managed daily educational garden operations, executing sowing, harvesting, weeding, and irrigation tasks to maintain an optimal and sustainable learning environment.
- Ensured a safe, structured environment by instructing students on proper tool handling and strictly enforcing health and safety protocols.
Education
Master of Professional Studies - Sustainable Food Systems
Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park, NY08.2027
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Studies
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT05.2021
Skills
- Community Engagement and Outreach
- Large Event Coordination
- Program Compliance
- Training and Education Facilitation
- Staff and Volunteer Leadership
- Grant Writing and Management
Certification
- ServSafe Food Handler Certification, February 2024 - 2027
- Produce Safety University, March 2023
- School Nutrition Association Member
Timeline
Sustainability and School Nutrition Specialist
Camden City School District
10.2025 - Current
Sustainability and School Nutrition Coordinator
Camden City School District
07.2023 - 10.2025
Program Monitor
Camden City School District
07.2022 - 06.2023
Garden and Nature Education Specialist
Snipes Farm & Education Center
06.2022 - 08.2022
School Nutrition Service Member
FoodCorps
08.2021 - 07.2022
Farm-Based Education and Curriculum Design Intern
Common Roots
06.2020 - 01.2021
Master of Professional Studies - Sustainable Food Systems
Culinary Institute of America
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Studies
University of Vermont