16th Class, 2009-2010
Field Placement: Hunger Task Force (Milwaukee, WI)
Tasha Askew developed a bilingual study of the impact of the economic downturn on food pantry and community kitchen clients. She collected data on household demographics, food insecurity, participation in federal nutrition assistance programs, and household eating habits. She also conducted parental outreach in Milwaukee Public Schools to increase school meal participation and increase the number of schools that offer Universal Free Breakfast in the Classroom.
Hunger Free Community Report:
In Perspective: An Assessment of Milwaukee County Food Pantry Clients is a comprehensive report describing the impact of the economic downturn on the eating habits of more than 500 Milwaukee County residents.
Policy Placement: USDA Center for Faith Based & Neighborhood Partnerships (Washington, DC)
Tasha conducted outreach with faith-based organizations on Tribal Reservations and in African American communities to increase education about and access to USDA programs. She developed a plan to include traditional foods in the Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations, and designed the first USDA “How to Start a School Garden” webinar geared towards Native Americans communities. She also collaborated with faith-based organizations to advance the goals of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative on children’s health and fitness.
Pre-Fellowship Education and Experience:
Tasha is a 2008 summa cum laude graduate of Delaware State University, where she earned a degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minor in marketing. She served as Miss Delaware State University, implementing a yearlong platform on lasting social change and studied in Namibia and China. After college, Tasha worked as an elementary school teacher for students with special needs and English language learners.