Jessica Lofton-Williams

Community engagement and food systems professional with over ten years of lived and working knowledge spanning food service, grocery operations, sustainable agriculture, food distribution, farmers markets, community outreach, and program management. Experienced in building partnerships, leading community engagement initiatives, coordinating food access programs, and supporting equitable food systems. Passion for my family, and larger community living happy, healthy lives, paired with a unique understanding of local food systems from kitchen operations and grocery retail to farm production, distribution, and food access initiatives.

Community Engagement Manager at Fair Food Network (2025-01 – Present)

• Lead statewide community engagement and outreach efforts supporting Double Up Food Bucks Michigan.
• Supervise and support regional outreach ambassadors through coaching, planning, and professional development.
• Build partnerships with farmers markets, grocery retailers, healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies.
• Coordinate outreach strategies, stakeholder engagement, trainings, and community events across Michigan.

Community Engagement Coordinator at Fair Food Network (2024-01 – 2025-01)

• Coordinated outreach activities, partner engagement, and community education efforts across multiple Michigan regions.
• Conducted site visits and provided technical assistance to participating retailers and farmers markets.
• Supported event planning, program implementation, and relationship management with community partners.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve participant experience and program effectiveness.

Program Ambassador, Western Wayne County at Fair Food Network (2022-01 – 2024-01)

• Conducted grassroots outreach and education to increase awareness of Double Up Food Bucks.
• Represented the program at community events, farmers markets, resource fairs, and neighborhood gatherings.
• Developed relationships with local organizations, schools, healthcare providers, and residents.
• Gathered participant feedback and community insights to support program improvement.

Produce Distribution at Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture (2017-01 – 2018-01)

• Drove a regional produce distribution route serving farms across Maryland, D.C, and Virginia.
• Picked up, loaded, transported, and unloaded fresh produce for delivery to Arcadia's distribution hub in Washington, D.C.
• Assisted with inventory organization and produce handling during loading and unloading operations.
• Gained firsthand experience in local food distribution networks and farm-to-city supply chains.

Farm Worker at Sustainable Agriculture Work Exchanges (2015-01 – 2017-01)

• Participated in hands-on agricultural work exchanges on small-scale sustainable farms.
• Assisted with seasonal farm operations, mainly harvesting and packing/loading.

Farmers Market Intern at Growing Hope (2014-01)

• Supported farmers market operations and community food access programming.
• Assisted with vendor coordination, customer engagement, and educational outreach activities.
• Promoted healthy food access and local food system development within the Ypsilanti community.
• Developed foundational experience in food justice and community engagement.

Food Service Worker at Various Food Service Establishments (2009-01 – 2015-01)

Worked in a variety of restaurant, grocery, and food service environments; experience in food preparation, food safety, customer service, inventory management, and kitchen operations. Gained experience working in fast-paced environments requiring teamwork, organization, and attention to food quality and safety standards. Developed firsthand knowledge of the food system from food preparation and retail operations through community food access and distribution.

• Short-order cook; also supported prep, cashier, customer service, dishwashing, stocking, and front-of-house operations.
• Worked in grocery retail settings, including deli, prepared foods, checkout, and customer service departments.

B.S. in Environmental Science – Wayne State University