Tracy Mendez, Program Director of Nutrition Education, is a practicing registered dietitian nutritionist with more than a decade of expertise in creating relatable education solutions that enable positive change. She is driven to help children recognize they have the power to influence their own health and the health of others. Tracy’s enthusiasm is contagious as she works tirelessly with educators and community partners to empower, educate and encourage children and families to pursue lifelong healthy eating habits. She brings a wealth of experience to support and improve the school wellness environment, including school wellness strategy, curriculum development, program assessment, collaboration, facilitation, and trends and data analysis.

Tracy is passionate about providing relevant and inclusive science-backed nutrition education to all people and communities. As the mother of two young children, she is committed to teaching and empowering all children to enjoy food in positive, confident and healthy ways. She firmly believes combining quality nutrition education with access to healthy foods allows families to thrive together in the places where they work, learn, play and live.

Tracy earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where she minored in Spanish and adopted the university’s ‘Learn by Doing’ philosophy. She completed her dietetic internship at Fresno State University.

Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world. —Nelson Mandela