Tracy Mendez, Nutrition Education Director, is a practicing registered dietitian nutritionist with more than a decade of experience advancing relatable, science-backed nutrition education in collaboration with education, healthcare and agriculture partnerships throughout California and nationally.

As the mother of two young children and a nutrition expert, she knows many factors influence healthy eating. That is why she is committed to supporting equitable access to nutrition education and nutritious foods. Tracy creates and empowers effective healthy eating solutions through strong community partnership and innovative nutrition education that is inclusive of diverse experiences and perspectives.

Tracy’s background includes nutrition education development and assessment, school wellness strategy, collaboration, facilitation, and professional and program development. She serves on the leadership committee for Nutrition Education for the Public Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She also contributed her expertise on review panels for state and national nutrition interventions including the SNAP-Ed Toolkit and California Department of Education’s Nutrition Education Resource Guide.

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