Hwang headshot

Emerson Fellow

Emily Hwang

26th Class, 2019-2020

Emily Hwang graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, earning a degree in anthropology with a concentration in Latin American studies. During her undergraduate career, Emily developed a passion for food justice through her involvement in local gardens and community food access development projects. Spirited by understanding food systems and anti-poverty initiatives, Emily served as an AmeriCorps VISTA at Just Harvest, a Pittsburgh non-profit committed to fighting against systematic poverty where she supported their healthy incentives program at 22 different farmers markets through implementing outreach, volunteer coordination, and data reporting and analysis. After her AmeriCorps term ended, Emily continued her involvement with the farmers markets in Pittsburgh, focusing on fresh food access for low-income populations, while also learning from various other opportunities such as being the volunteer coordinator at a contemporary art museum, working as a barista at a community owned coffee shop, and serving as a tax reviewer for Just Harvest’s free-tax preparation program, which refunded $6 million dollars back to their clients in 2019.

Field placement: Indigenous Food & Agriculture Initiative

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Emily worked with the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative at the University of Arkansas, which enhances health and wellness in tribal communities by advancing healthy food systems, diversified economic development, and cultural food traditions in Indian Country. In her role, she analyzed tribal, state, and national level data and creating fact sheets to share with policymakers on food assistance programs in Indian Country. In addition, Emily also focused on monitoring and creating educational materials for Tribes related to Farm Bill 2018 implementation and for the Child Nutrition Reauthorization process.

Policy placement: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Washington, D.C.

Emily supported the United States Department of Agriculture, Child Nutrition Programs staff during the Coronavirus pandemic to ensure that over 30 million children could still access school meals. At the USDA, Emily communicated with seven regional offices on their COVID-19 response plans, responded to States' waiver requests for school meals, and created best practices resources for school lunch period times.

Publications & Blog Posts