Common Threads Partners with FMI Foundation to Combat Hunger and Promote Nutrition Education
Common Threads, a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to nutrition education and healthy cooking, has proudly renewed its partnership with the FMI Foundation, a significant move towards addressing hunger and promoting food justice in communities across the nation. This collaboration is bolstered by a generous sponsorship of $10,000 from the FMI Foundation, specifically allocated to support the Congressional Hunger Center's prestigious Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship Program.
This renewed partnership will enable Common Threads to host two talented fellows during the 2025–2026 program year. These fellows will gain invaluable hands-on experience working with local communities, helping to implement nutrition education and cooking programs that align with Common Threads’ mission to impart essential knowledge and skills necessary for building healthier futures.
David Fikes, Executive Director of FMI Foundation, expressed pride in the partnership, stating, “We are proud to partner with Common Threads in their support of the next generation of leaders in food justice and community health. By investing in the leadership development of these young people, we are cultivating future changemakers whose impact will extend far beyond their fellowship year.” This sentiment reflects the shared goal of fostering impactful leadership that can drive meaningful change within communities.
The Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship Program is a renowned initiative designed to train emerging leaders who are dedicated to addressing hunger and poverty. Since its inception, the program has placed fellows with various organizations across the country, granting them unique opportunities to acquire expertise in areas such as public policy, program development, community engagement, and advocacy. Emily Rodriguez, a recent Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellow, shared her transformative experience, noting that her time at Common Threads was pivotal in shaping her career and deepening her commitment to combating hunger and health inequities.
“Serving as a Hunger Fellow with Common Threads was a turning point in my journey as a leader,” Rodriguez remarked. “I gained the skills, relationships, and experience needed to address hunger and health inequities head-on. The opportunity to work alongside a team so committed to empowering communities affirmed my passion for creating lasting change.”
Marking its fourth consecutive year of hosting Emerson Fellows, Common Threads has witnessed firsthand the positive impact these young leaders can bring. Linda Novick O'Keefe, CEO and Co-Founder of Common Threads, reflected on the significance of this initiative: “Over the past four years, hosting Hunger Fellows has been both an honor and a privilege. It has played a vital role in strengthening the leadership pipeline our movement depends on.” As nonprofits face increasing demands to meet pressing community needs with limited resources, the infusion of energy and innovation provided by fellows proves vital.
In a world where access to nutritious food is critical, this partnership emphasizes a collective commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. With the continued support from the FMI Foundation and the Congressional Hunger Center, Common Threads is dedicated to nurturing future leaders while building a healthier tomorrow—a vision where nutritious food, education, and thriving communities are within everyone's reach.
Tony Jackson, Director of the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship Program, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “The Emerson Fellows who are placed at Common Threads experience firsthand the power of food education in action.” By investing in the wellness of both leaders and communities, they are cultivating an ecosystem where positive nourishment and education pave the way for sustained change.
Through their combined efforts, Common Threads and the FMI Foundation are setting a powerful example, showcasing how collective action can lead to transformative outcomes for those in need. Together, they are nourshing minds and bodies—one fellow, one meal, and one community at a time. For more information about Common Threads and their impactful programs, visit their website at commonthreads.org.
This renewed partnership will enable Common Threads to host two talented fellows during the 2025–2026 program year. These fellows will gain invaluable hands-on experience working with local communities, helping to implement nutrition education and cooking programs that align with Common Threads’ mission to impart essential knowledge and skills necessary for building healthier futures.
David Fikes, Executive Director of FMI Foundation, expressed pride in the partnership, stating, “We are proud to partner with Common Threads in their support of the next generation of leaders in food justice and community health. By investing in the leadership development of these young people, we are cultivating future changemakers whose impact will extend far beyond their fellowship year.” This sentiment reflects the shared goal of fostering impactful leadership that can drive meaningful change within communities.
The Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship Program is a renowned initiative designed to train emerging leaders who are dedicated to addressing hunger and poverty. Since its inception, the program has placed fellows with various organizations across the country, granting them unique opportunities to acquire expertise in areas such as public policy, program development, community engagement, and advocacy. Emily Rodriguez, a recent Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellow, shared her transformative experience, noting that her time at Common Threads was pivotal in shaping her career and deepening her commitment to combating hunger and health inequities.
“Serving as a Hunger Fellow with Common Threads was a turning point in my journey as a leader,” Rodriguez remarked. “I gained the skills, relationships, and experience needed to address hunger and health inequities head-on. The opportunity to work alongside a team so committed to empowering communities affirmed my passion for creating lasting change.”
Marking its fourth consecutive year of hosting Emerson Fellows, Common Threads has witnessed firsthand the positive impact these young leaders can bring. Linda Novick O'Keefe, CEO and Co-Founder of Common Threads, reflected on the significance of this initiative: “Over the past four years, hosting Hunger Fellows has been both an honor and a privilege. It has played a vital role in strengthening the leadership pipeline our movement depends on.” As nonprofits face increasing demands to meet pressing community needs with limited resources, the infusion of energy and innovation provided by fellows proves vital.
In a world where access to nutritious food is critical, this partnership emphasizes a collective commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. With the continued support from the FMI Foundation and the Congressional Hunger Center, Common Threads is dedicated to nurturing future leaders while building a healthier tomorrow—a vision where nutritious food, education, and thriving communities are within everyone's reach.
Tony Jackson, Director of the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship Program, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “The Emerson Fellows who are placed at Common Threads experience firsthand the power of food education in action.” By investing in the wellness of both leaders and communities, they are cultivating an ecosystem where positive nourishment and education pave the way for sustained change.
Through their combined efforts, Common Threads and the FMI Foundation are setting a powerful example, showcasing how collective action can lead to transformative outcomes for those in need. Together, they are nourshing minds and bodies—one fellow, one meal, and one community at a time. For more information about Common Threads and their impactful programs, visit their website at commonthreads.org.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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