Goldman headshot

Emerson Fellow

Sarah Goldman

24th Class, 2017-2018

Sarah graduated from Carleton College with a degree in environmental studies and a concentration in political economy. With a passion for agriculture and social justice, Sarah worked as a youth organizer in northern Nicaragua, interned on ten small farms in North America, and served as a student ambassador in the United States delegation at the food and nutrition themed World’s Fair in Milan. Sarah has also conducted qualitative research investigating rural farmer’s support for environmental policies in Minnesota. Her passion for agricultural education also led her to found the Heart of the Heartland Program, a five-week summer program for undergraduate students that combines hands-on practical training with a policy, biology, and business management curriculum.

Field placement: Indigenous Food & Agriculture Initiative

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Sarah worked with the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative (IFAI) at the University of Arkansas Law school, an initiative that advances healthy food systems, diversified economic development, and cultural food traditions in Indian Country. She worked closely with IFAI’s policy director following congressional hearings regarding the 2018 Farm Bill and drafted policy analyses of proposed legislation focused on hunger and agriculture in Tribal communities. In addition, Sarah authored a series of educational fact sheets that highlight the state of agriculture and federal food assistance in Native communities.

Policy placement: National Farm to School Network

Washington, D.C.

Sarah worked with the National Farm to School Network (NFSN), an organization whose mission is to improve children’s health, strengthen family farms, and cultivate vibrant communities through increasing access to local food and nutrition education. Sarah worked on NFSN’s policy team to develop the organization’s State Policy Guide. This resource offers different strategic options that NFSN could take to strengthen state outreach and policy efforts. More specifically, her work included leading cohort meetings with state and national farm to school leaders, researching state farm to school policies and partnerships, drafting the policy guide, and sharing results with core partners through webinars and other media platforms.

Publications & Blog Posts