Jessica Gudmundson and Miguel Villarreal are driving a bold vision for a racially just, nourishing food system. As Co-Executive Directors of the National Farm to School Network (NFSN)—a Newman’s Own Foundation grantee since 2012—they lead with a unique model that shifts power and shares leadership. This October, in celebration of National Farm to School Month, we’re proud to honor them as our Newmanitarians® of the Month.
Miguel and Jessica’s food justice paths both began in childhood—Miguel spent 17 years following crop seasons with his family, while Jessica experienced food insecurity growing up. Miguel’s turning point came as a School Food Service Director in Texas and California. He saw the transformative power of fresh, local food, which led him to NFSN. Jessica, a part of NFSN since its inception 20 years ago, says Farm to School is so meaningful and impactful because it goes beyond feeding kids—it tackles the root causes of hunger while centering community needs.
“National Farm to School Network’s unique model works at the national level to shape policy and mobilize resources, but it’s the cafeteria workers, farmers, and students who drive the work. That grassroots-to-national approach is what enables them to translate their vision into impact.” —Christina Chauvenet, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Officer, Newman’s Own Foundation
What is National Farm to School Network’s “Recipe for Change”?
- Vision rooted in justice – believing every child deserves real food and every farmer deserves fair opportunities.
- Shared leadership – honoring and nurturing the incredible wisdom and contributions not just within our staff team, but also from our partners and in the farm to school and early care movement.
- Collaboration – bringing together schools, families, farmers, policymakers, and advocates to work toward shared goals.
- Persistence – refusing to give up, even when the obstacles are steep or the opposition is loud. Change takes time, but it also takes courage to stay at the table and keep pushing forward.
Photo courtesy of National Farm to School Network.
In the spirit of Paul Newman, how are you “raising a little hell” in your community?
Miguel: I’ve never hesitated to stand up for children and families, even when it was unpopular. I’ll never forget what a farmer told me years ago: “It’s not easy being on the front line and dealing with pressure from all sides, but know that many of us support your efforts.” That support gave me strength to keep “raising a little hell” for the right reasons.
Jessica: “Farm to School” was initially a rebel strategy! Prior to years of grassroots advocacy that resulted in grant programs and policy changes, it required food service directors, teachers, and farmers to break the mold—and often the rules.
What brings you joy in your work?
Miguel: When I see children enjoying fresh, local foods, when I meet parents who feel heard, or when I see schools partnering with farmers to strengthen their local economy, I’m reminded why this work matters. As a child of migrant farmworkers, it’s also deeply meaningful to have met influential leaders like Dolores Huerta as we advocate for food justice.
Jessica: It will never get old watching a child’s eyes light up putting their hands in the dirt and taste food they’ve grown. The growth of the farm to school movement brings the same joy! With over 500 partner organizations and 20,000 members, NFSN is clearly resonating nationwide. We don’t need to convince anyone that this work is worthwhile, we simply need to break down barriers and create opportunities for every child and community to thrive.
Miguel (right) with farmer Lupe Rocha. Photo courtesy of National Farm to School Network.
What is an insight that has stuck with you?
Food justice only happens when the entire community is invested in the effort. Everyone has a role to play. Sometimes it’s writing a letter of support or lending a voice at a public meeting; other times it’s showing up, organizing, or helping implement solutions. Real change happens when people understand that food justice isn’t just a school issue, it’s a community issue.
From NSFN’s beginnings cofounded under the leadership of Anupama Joshi and Marion Kalb, shared leadership is at the core of our work. Shared leadership means decision making combines and contends with multiple perspectives, and is not owned by one person or organization is a position of power. This approach has catapulted the farm to school and early care movement.
How can people support National Farm to School Network?
- Stay connected – Sign up for the National Farm to School Network newsletters to stay informed about resources, events, and advocacy opportunities.
- Attend the 10th Farm to Cafeteria Conference, Dec. 1–4, 2025 in Albuquerque, NM. (Don’t miss Christina Chauvenet session “Growing Farm to School to ECE Settings: Learning from Diverse Statewide Approaches” featuring Newman’s Own Foundation grantee partners!)
- Become a member – Encourage your school district, organization, or business to join as a paid member.
- Support financially – Your donations help NFSN expand training, advocacy, and community partnerships.
- Spread the word – Share NFSN resources and events within your network or on social media. Celebrate National Farm to School Month with NFSN’s free resources.
National Farm to School Network is an information, advocacy and networking hub for communities working to bring local food sourcing and food and agriculture education into school systems and early care and education environments. Learn more at farmtoschool.org
