Bridgette Byrd Email & Phone Number

I'm a naturalist who sees the beauty in things we tend to discard. Sometimes it's the bruised skin on a piece of fruit or an abandoned community lot. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Cognitive Neuroscience from Rutgers University Newark, NJ. I am a proud recipient of the NexGen Scholarship and continued education at Arizona State University to achieve the MS in Sustainable Food Systems. As a current FoodCorps Education Service Member, I am completing a dual path of service and education to pioneer innovative pathways in our Food Systems. I enjoy collaborations with food at the center to brainstorm new ideas about food sustainability, accessibility, and the psychology of food as it pertains to food perceptions and behaviors. Last year I was featured in Walmart Foundation's culturally relevant food education promo; “Newark Chose Me” Q&A and Thrive Market Q&A for Teachers Appreciation Week. The feature highlights the journey of nourishing Urban communities faced with food insecurity. My core values align with institutions that foster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that are modeled in day-to-day practices. My greatest strength is empowering communities to access fresh affordable fruits and vegetables, expanding urban areas by increasing urban community gardens, and connecting socially disadvantaged farmers with schools to increase farm-to-school initiatives.Public Service Projects | Garden Expansion | Sustainable Projects | Expanded Food & Nutrition Education | Ecology of Food | Community Development | Food Waste Reduction