We’re excited to announce that Dr. Priya Fielding-Singh will be joining the Global Food Institute as our new Director of Programs and Policy, starting May 5.

Priya brings a wealth of experience from her work at the Sandberg Foundation, and her background as a sociologist, author, and academic makes her a powerful addition to our team. Her acclaimed book, How the Other Half Eats, offers critical insight into food inequality in America and is a must-read for anyone passionate about food justice.

At GFI, she will help lead the development and integration of evidence-based food policy strategies that center equity and improve nutrition outcomes across communities. We look forward to her leadership, expertise, and fresh perspective she brings to advancing GFI’s mission. Welcome, Priya!

GFI’s Food Leadership Minor has received official approval from all schools across the university. This collaborative endorsement underscores GW's commitment to interdisciplinary education and innovation, allowing students from diverse academic backgrounds to explore critical issues in food systems, policy, and sustainability. 

GFI continues to grow its course lineup to offer students richer insights into the forces shaping our food systems. From gaining practical experience in delivering nutrition education to examining how women's leadership intersects with climate change and food security, our new offerings build on the strong foundational coursework we introduced last year.

We invite faculty to encourage students who are eager to make a difference to explore these exciting new learning opportunities.

GFI Founder José Andrés Celebrates New Memoir at GW Politics & Prose Event

On April 24, GW had the honor of hosting world-renowned chef, humanitarian, and The Global Food Institute founder José Andrés for a special Politics & Prose event celebrating his new memoir, Change the Recipe: Because You Can't Build a Better World Without Breaking Some Eggs.

Held at Lisner Auditorium, the event brought together students, faculty, and community members for an inspiring conversation about food, resilience, and global citizenship. Drawing from stories in his memoir, Andrés reflected on his journey—from building a culinary empire to founding World Central Kitchen and responding to humanitarian crises across the globe.

The evening highlighted the powerful role food can play in driving positive change, an ethos at the heart of GFI’s mission and underscored GW’s commitment to innovation, leadership, and service. 

On April 10, The Global Food Institute at the George Washington University, GW Equity Institute, and GW Department of History hosted a powerful conversation: “Tracing the Legacy: Black Farmers and the Fight for Equity.”

Moderated by Mya O. Price, Ph.D., the panel featured leaders and advocates P. J. Haynie, Seanicaa (Edwards) Herron , and Dr. Jewel Bronaugh, who spoke on the deep-rooted history of racial injustice in U.S. agriculture and the urgent work of reclaiming land, legacy, and leadership. Wendy Ellis DrPH, MPH, director of the GW Equity Institute, provided opening remarks. The discussion underscored that Black agriculture isn’t a relic of the past, it’s essential to a sustainable food future. 

Resources from Event:

Read the GW Today Story

Contributions from zoom participants on some grassroots ways to support Black farmers in local and regional communities:

Alliance to End Hunger: alliancetoendhunger.org
Black Church Food Security Network: blackchurchfoodsecurity.net
Black Farmer Fund: blackfarmerfund.org 
Black Fiber & Textile Network: blackfibernetwork.com  

Click the video to watch the full discussion

Dr. Gabby Headrick, Assistant Professor in the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and Affiliate Faculty with the Global Food Institute, was recently featured in a Washington segment addressing Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial claims about food dyes, seed oils, and ultra-processed foods. Drawing on her expertise in public health and nutrition, Dr. Headrick brings scientific clarity to a conversation clouded by misinformation. 

Join us on Thursday, May 8, from 12-1pm at the Milken Institute School of Public Health, 4th Floor Conference Room for a session with Professor Melissa Fuster, PhD (Tulane University) on using systems thinking to strengthen local food sourcing in restaurants.  The seminar is also available via Zoom.

Drawing on research with restaurant owners, chefs, and producers, Dr. Fuster will share how systems mapping uncovers barriers, feedback loops, and new strategies to better connect consumers with healthy, locally grown foods. Come and discover how stakeholder-driven solutions and systemic approaches can foster more resilient, health-promoting food environments.

On Tuesday, June 10, from 9am-1pm, we will host the 2nd Annual International Food Aid Showcase: Shared Learning and Looking Ahead.  Sponsored by Counterpart International, GFI, and the Alliance to End Hunger, it will bring together various stakeholders involved in U.S. international food assistance. The program will include non-governmental organizations, producers and suppliers of commodities, academia, philanthropic entities, private sector, and other stakeholders to encourage engagement, communication, and coordination.

The Showcase will take place at the Milken Institute School of Public Health. If you are interested in attending, please email us at globalfoodinstitute@gwu.edu. 

On Wednesday, June 18, Partnership for a Healthier America and GFI are hosting the Good Food for All Summit, which will bring together leaders from the business, public, non-profit, and philanthropic sectors to advance equitable access to good food that drives good health. Hear remarks from Stacy Dean, listen to a panel on GFI and PHA’s research into scaling healthy corner stores, and more.

The summit will take place at the Grand Ballroom of the University Student Center. We will share an agenda when it is available. Please email Michelle Feigler at michellef@gwu.edu if you are interested in attending.

In partnership with Food Tank, the think tank for food, on Tuesday, October 28, GFI will host the First Annual Food and Agriculture Policy Summit in the Jack Morton Auditorium. We will convene influential and cutting-edge policymakers, researchers, and thought leaders to discuss the most pressing issues in food and agriculture.

Please save the date, and stay tuned - we will be in touch to ask for your thoughts and suggestions about the programming!

GFI has been on the road to elevate our work and expertise! Here are some events we’ve attended recently and will be attending soon. Please email us at globalfoodinstitute@gwu.edu if you will be attending any events that we should highlight.

James Beard Foundation Summit

Dr. Tara Scully spoke at the James Beard Foundation's Chef Action Summit where she met amazing GW alums who are changing the world through the power of food. The chefs and participants volunteered at Riverlink planting trees to restore Asheville.  

Bread for the World Climate and Nutrition Symposium

Earlier this week, Dr. Mya O. Price served on a panel discussing Effective Domestic and International Food Systems at the Bread for the World Climate and Nutrition Symposium.

Aspen Institute Food Leaders Fellowship Seminar

This week, GFI is being represented by Dr. Tara Scully, Moses Kansanga, assistant professor of geography and international affairs and GFI Affiliate Faculty, and Laura Mindlin, program manager, at an Aspen Institute Food Leaders Fellowship seminar at Mississippi State University. During their stay, they will visit MSU food centers, institutes, and initiatives, as well as participate in seminars with the Aspen Fellows.

Medicaid Food Security Network National Summit 2025

Stacy Dean, Carbonell Family Executive Director, will be a plenary speaker at the upcoming Medicaid Food Security Network National Summit, taking place May 7–8.

With her deep expertise in nutrition policy and food justice, Stacy will bring valuable insights on how aligning Medicaid and food security strategies can drive better health outcomes and advance equity. The summit will gather leaders from across the country to explore bold, collaborative solutions for a more nourished future. Join these critical conversations and feel free to invite your networks.

Food Lab at Google Summit

Dr. Tara Scully and Stacy Dean will attend the Food Lab at Google Summit from May 13-14, which will cover a broad range of timely topics across food, policy, climate, and innovation.

We want to lift up your work and share information about events, opportunities to collaborate or whatever you think is important to share. Email us at globalfoodinstitute@gwu.edu.