Speakers

Emmaly F. Renshaw

Executive Director, Feed Iowa First

Emmaly, Executive Director of Feed Iowa First, brings a multifaceted skill set and deep expertise to the organization. With a keen understanding of the complexities within the food landscape, she actively addresses barriers to food access for marginalized communities, identifies gaps in culturally relevant food offerings, and advocates for effective urban agricultural policies. She plays a vital role in facilitating land access initiatives in Eastern. Before her tenure at Feed Iowa First, Emmaly managed a CDC Diabetes Prevention Program and was certified as a DPP Behavioral Change Coach. This background underscores her nuanced understanding of the relationship between food access, diet-related illnesses, and the importance of integrating food education. Emmaly's leadership extends to various councils and coalitions, where she serves on the Linn County Food Systems Council (chair), Linn County Extension Council (chair), Linn County Diabetes Coalition, Iowa Land Access Working Group, Nonprofit Advisory Council, IDPH Healthy Iowans HEAL Workgroup, and the Iowa Urban Agriculture Leadership Team.