Meet our project team leaders!
We are very fortunate to announce our project team leaders! These 4 passionate volunteers have great experience in their pillar of Farm to School and are excited to progress Farm to School efforts across Indiana. If you would like to join a project team, please contact the leader of that team with their listed contact information.
Penelope Friday: Farm to ECE
"I am the Childhood Obesity Prevention Coordinator for the Indiana State Department of Health and a Michigan State University and Indiana University graduate specializing in physical activity and wellness for youth. I loves hiking, trying new foods and reading murder mysteries. I am excited to lead the Farm to ECE project team as these settings are so often overlooked. ECE providers are in the unique position to kick start healthy choices, such as exposure to fresh fruits and vegetables for Hoosiers aged 0-5, that will impact their futures.
Penelope can be reached via email at: pfriday@isdh.in.gov
Cynthia Perkins: School Gardens
"I have worked at Lincoln Middle School for 7 years. My grandmother always had a garden and taught me the value of growing and preserving your own produce. I asked students who were interested to consider "Garden Club" and worked with any student who liked to work with their hands, or who like to try new foods. Since then we incorporated other topics related to gardening like Earth Day, Lincoln Fair, Arbor Day, and MLK Day to support the appreciation and love for gardening. Gardening in a place students can go who may not be athletes, don't play instruments, may not be the top academic students, yet feel worth because each one can produce. It helps center students and gives them a place of peace and purpose."
Cynthia can be reached via email at: cdperkins@pike.k12.in.us
Amanda Deckard: Ag and Nutrition Education
"I have been a Registered Dietitian for four years. I have previous experience working as a clinical dietitian but have now worked as the Staff Dietitian for Wayne Township Schools for about a year. I have a passion for food, kids, and education! I feel like there is a lot of room for growth on nutrition education in the classroom. I'm excited for this team to help remove the barriers that exist to make this happen in schools. Most importantly, I'm excited to really get to know my team and hear viewpoints from a variety of experts in their field."
Amanda can be reached via email at: amanda.deckard@wayne.k12.in.us
Becky Landes: Procurement
“I have been in School Nutrition for 20 years and counting! 10 of those 20 years have been as a Food Service Director for Manchester Community Schools where I am currently employed. Manchester Community Schools has served local food in our cafeterias for 13 years and I have been actively involved with many Farm to School projects. I am currently attending WGU to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Management. I also continue to serve as a mentor and facilitator of workshops and as a panelist for work study groups for the Institute of Child Nutrition. I am excited lead the Procurement Team. Procurement is such an integral part of what school nutrition services must do to be compliant with the USDA regulations. I feel like our team can help smooth the way for schools to procure locally produced items!”
Becky can be reached via email at: blandes9093@gmail.com