Wagner headshot

Emerson Fellow

Amanda Wagner

12th Class, 2005-2006

Amanda, a native of southeastern Pennsylvania, is a 2005 graduate of Franklin & Marshall College with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Women and Gender Studies.  She spent a semester in Sweden and another in Jamaica, where she conducted an independent study on the role of food and cooking in Jamaican women’s lives.  She has done outreach for the Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program, conducted research on food consumption practices in Lancaster,Pennsylvania and worked on an organic farm in Italy.  Amanda also contributed to a community needs assessment and a report on housing and homelessness with the United Way of Lancaster County.  On campus, she was a member of Students Committed to Social Change and Oxfam.

Field placement: Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

Tucson, Arizona

In collaboration with the Community Food Security Center, local growers, and community groups, Amanda researched the feasibility of a subsidized CSA-share program for seniors living on a limited income.  She also facilitated discussions with community members to inform and direct a long-term project on local food systems development.

Policy placement: Community Food Security Coalition

Washington, D.C.

Amanda conducted research on local food purchasing practices and regulations as they relate to the Farm to School movement and the upcoming Farm Bill.  She also worked on a leadership development pilot program for communities with little access to the food system, particularly youth.  Additionally, she provided outreach and communication support as needed on a collaborative food and farm policy project.

Publications