HFHK welcomes new board members; Dr. Lisa Hoffman named Board chair

Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids (HFHK) is thrilled to welcome three new board members and new board chair, Dr. Lisa Hoffman to its executive leadership. Dr. Hoffman, Director Global Development Biology and External Partnerships for FMC, previously served as Vice Chair from 2020-2021. Natalie McKenney’s term as board chair ended in December 2023 after two years. She remains on the board as Chair Emeritus. Dr. Thalia Pappas continues to serve as Vice Chair.

“I want to thank Natalie and Thalia for their past two years of service to HFHK,” said Dr. Hoffman. “Their leadership through our first full year with our executive director was critical to our success and growth. The fact that we have three incredibly driven and motivated new board members is a testament to their efforts.”

New to the board are Sheryl Murphy, K-12 Science Curriculum Specialist and District Elementary Science Content Chair at Christina School District, Michelle Axe, Community Health Manager at Christiana Care, and Missy Scharadin, Operating Officer for Brown Advisory. Ms. Murphy was previously the HFHK Garden Coordinator at West Park Place Elementary School where she taught from 2002 to 2012. “I’ve loved HFHK for years and am excited to support the program from a different angle,” she said.

Ms. Axe and Ms. Scharadin joined the board as community members who are passionate about health and giving back. “The concept of ’Food is Medicine’ is a belief that I not only share personally, but Christina Care shares as well. The way HFHK’s program introduces vegetables to students that is both pragmatic and effective is something we should all get behind,” remarked Ms. Axe.

“At Brown,” said Ms. Scharadin, “our purpose is to raise the future for and with our clients, and our communities. What better way to raise a community than by supporting food education through empowerment. I can’t wait to get started.”