#United States #Milwaukee #Dohmen Foundation #Nutrition Programs #FoodCorps

Dohmen Company Foundation Invests in FoodCorps

In an exciting development for school nutrition, the Dohmen Company Foundation has announced a significant investment of $4 million over three years to support FoodCorps, a national nonprofit dedicated to improving child well-being through food education in schools. This substantial funding marks a pivotal step in establishing two innovative leadership programs designed to empower educators and school nutrition professionals to foster healthier food environments in educational settings.

A Vision for a Healthier Future

At the heart of this initiative is the foundation's compelling vision of a world free from diet-related diseases. Rachel Roller, the President and CEO of the foundation, emphasized the foundation's commitment to shaping a future where all children in schools have access to nourishing meals and comprehensive food education. "We are proud to support these new programs that will equip the next generation of educators and professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge to ensure children receive healthy meals and food education by 2030," she remarked.

The investment aims to enhance leadership programming within FoodCorps, introducing two groundbreaking initiatives that spotlight the significance of nutrition in the school setting.

Programs that Make a Difference

1. The Kindred Fellowship:
Launching in January 2026, this fellowship will gather 30 emerging school food leaders each year, offering them a robust seven-month curriculum. This program focuses on driving systematic change within school food systems, emphasizing policy and advocacy, strategic communications, and the innovative preparation of healthy, locally sourced meals. By nurturing these leaders, the initiative aims to transform school food environments across the nation.

2. The Food-E Certificate Program:
Set to debut in the summer of 2026, this pioneering educational initiative—developed in collaboration with a leading academic institution—will establish a new credentialing pathway for educators and advocates. Participants will gain research-informed strategies and practical tools tailored to effectively integrate high-quality food and nutrition education into classrooms nationwide. This program signifies a step forward in ensuring food education is accessible to all educators, regardless of their background.

Together, these programs not only build on FoodCorps’ existing efforts to provide nourishing meals and food education but also lay the groundwork for empowered individuals leading the charge for healthier school environments.

Partnership for Change

Curt Ellis, the CEO and co-founder of FoodCorps, expressed enthusiasm for the deepened partnership with the Dohmen Company Foundation. “We’re thrilled that the foundation has reinforced its commitment to nourishing kids,” he stated. He noted that this investment reflects a shared vision of placing children’s well-being at the forefront of school food initiatives. FoodCorps has a proven track record of supporting schools in delivering nutritious meals and engaging students in meaningful food-related education.

Through this partnership, the aim is to enhance students' health, academic performance, and connection to their communities.

A Legacy of Support

The Dohmen Company Foundation, with over 165 years of experience in healthcare, is leveraging its philanthropic mission to address diet-related health issues. Transitioning from a family-owned business to a private foundation, it aims to combat rising diet-related diseases through funding, advocacy, and awareness campaigns about nutrition’s critical role in health.

About FoodCorps

FoodCorps works at multiple levels—from local schools to national advocacy—to champion good food in schools. With a mission to ensure that all public school students access nutritious meals and food education, FoodCorps not only develops leaders in the food education space but also fosters collaborative networks and health-promoting policies.

For more information on these transformative programs and initiatives, you can visit FoodCorps and Dohmen Company Foundation.

With this new initiative, the commitment to a healthier future for children through education and nutrition is stronger than ever.