Building a healthier, more resilient food system through visionary leadership
Our mission
Food Policy Pathways is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that empowers the next generation of policy leaders, shaping a skilled workforce to drive cost-effective, sustainable, and healthy food and agriculture policies.
What we do
Food Policy Pathways mentors and supports the next generation of policy professionals, building a strong workforce to shape healthy, practical, and fiscally sound food, agriculture, nutrition, and rural policies across America. These leaders will champion local, state, and federal policies—advancing a food system that protects air and water quality, curbs chronic disease, and saves taxpayer dollars.
Photo credit: NYC Mayor’s Office
Team
Rachel Atcheson - Founder, Executive Director
After years of public service to transform the food system and generate public good, Rachel founded Food Policy Pathways to cultivate the next generation of food and agriculture policy leaders. Previously, she worked in various New York City government roles, including as Deputy Director of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy, Special Advisor to the Chief of Staff, and Deputy Strategist for the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, where she spearheaded initiatives such as citywide nutrition programs and public health campaigns to strengthen food policy.
Hayley Davis, MPH - Chief Operating Officer
Hayley is a dedicated advocate for food policy reform and leader in non-profit development who has secured millions in funding for organizations focused on youth development and healthy food access. Her experience includes serving as a Policy Consultant for a New York City Council candidate, advancing Farm Bill reform in Washington, D.C. on behalf of West Side Campaign Against Hunger, board leadership at Field & Fork Network, and delivering the keynote speech for her alma mater's first ever Public Health Day.
Felicia Crivello - Director of Policy and Impact
With a background in state government, Felicia has worked to bridge the gap between the environment and public health. Most recently, Felicia served as Legislative Director to a New York State Senator where she championed the advancement of a comprehensive policy and fiscal agenda. She previously worked in External Relations for the New York State Senate Majority, spearheaded a fellowship program on a New York political campaign, and volunteered as Policy Coordinator for the NYC/LA-based nonprofit My Dog Is My Home. Felicia is an alumna of and former executive mentor in CUNY Baruch’s MPA program, and believes in empowering future policy leaders to transform the food system.
“Rachel was instrumental in helping me enter high-impact political roles. She is a rare ‘super-connector’ in the food policy space, who understands the landscape, people, and opportunities like nobody else.”
— State House Member
Work with us
Join us in transforming food policy. At Food Policy Pathways, we’re always interested in connecting with passionate people who want to make an impact. Explore our open roles here or, if no positions are currently available, feel free to reach out to us and share your skills and interests—we’d love to hear from you as we continue to grow our team.