Laura believes that nutrition education is an important tool for combating food insecurity. Knowing how to cook and plan healthy meals allows people to make the most of limited resources, and so Laura works to promote and provide opportunities for Vermonters in need to gain these skills. As Nutrition Education Manager she is responsible for overseeing Hunger Free Vermont’s Learning Kitchen program, as well as keeping its curriculum up-to-date and effective. She also works with other Hunger Free Vermont staff to identify and create additional opportunities for nutrition education across the different programs they work with.

Before joining Hunger Free Vermont in July of 2010, Laura learned the ins and outs of the Learning Kitchen as a series host at Calais Elementary School, where she worked for three years. While there, she developed monthly nutrition lessons, taste tests, and cafeteria menus featuring foods purchased from local farms. She also spent three years as a La Leche League leader, supporting breastfeeding mothers in Florida.

Laura understands firsthand the challenges of feeding a family well on a budget. She is also aware that food is a very personal issue and is sensitive to the fact that there are many different ways to construct a healthy diet. Laura has a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Brown University.