How we work
Growing a diverse and committed Network of stakeholders is critical to imagining and realizing a robust statewide Farm to School program in Rhode Island.The Network’s structure allows for differing level of engagement with members, Communities of Practice, Action Committees, and a Leadership Council.
Anyone interested in farm to school activities, whether local foods in schools, gardens and growing activities, or food, nutrition, and agriculture education programs, can join the Network as a member by subscribing to our eNews.
Those who want to engage more deeply with a specific area of interest can join a Community of Practice (COP) or an Action Committee (AC) where the core activities of the Network are planned and organized.
The Leadership Council which serves as the overarching decision-making body for the Network, is comprised of sector and organizational seats and determines the Network’s direction, including policies, membership structure, fundraising initiatives, communication platforms, action committees and goals. Elected council members actively promote the RI Farm to School Network with colleagues and constituents across the state and region and participate fully in consensus-making decisions with Action Committee leaders to ensure Network goals are achieved.
RI Farm to School Network
Structure





RI Farm to School Network
Leadership Council
Jessica Patrolia, Chair
Coordinator, Child Nutrition Programs
RI Department of Education
Sara Amin
Asst. Professor, Community Nutrition Ed. Director
University of Rhode Island
Stephanie Bush
Farm to Community Program Director
Farm Fresh RI
Mary Caprelli
Assistant Principal
Woonsocket High School
Sara Churgin
District Manager
Eastern RI Conservation District
Jason Evans
Dean, College of Food Innovation & Technology
Johnson & Wales University
Kate Lacouture
Executive Director
Green Circle Design
Caitlin Mandel
Access & Equity Program Manager
RI Food Policy Council
Solange Morrissette
District Manager
Chartwells
Tiferet Rose
Parent/Gardener
Martin Luther King Elementary School
Jack Sisson
Agricultural Marketing Specialist
RI DEM, Division of Agriculture
Jake Stanton
Food Access Associate
Southside Community Land Trust
Juli Stelmaszyk
Director of Food Strategy
RI Commerce
Karin Wetherill
Co-Director
RI Healthy Schools Coalition



