Zhara Edwards is from Cleveland, Ohio, where she graduated with a B.A. in Anthropology and a minor in Public Health from Case Western Reserve University. Zhara’s career interests include child and adolescent health, and hopes to work towards eliminating food insecurity for students in need. One of Zhara’s core beliefs is that a person’s locality should not determine their access to food, education, or other resources. Hunger and poverty are key issues that Zhara would like to address because of their potentially detrimental impact on a young person’s health and development.
Field placement: DC Hunger Solutions
Washington, D.C.
Zhara is writing for a racial equity impact report that will examine how historical disinvestment has contributed to racial inequities that have affected communities of color when accessing federal nutrition programs. With a focus on communities East of the Anacostia River primarily in Wards 7 and 8, Zhara's report and participation in outreach events highlights the importance of centering racial equity in D.C.'s hunger landscape.
Policy placement: Government of the District of Columbia Office of Planning, Food Policy Division
Washington, D.C.
Zhara Edwards is working with DC Office of Planning's Food Policy Team in exploring college hunger on university campuses within the District. Through a review of existing research and conducting local qualitative research, Zhara will create a brief that the Food Policy team can use for future recommendations and policy change.