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Mercy Wanalo

she/her

Coordinator of District Support, CA Workforce Programs

Mercy joined the Chef Ann Foundation in July 2025 and serves as the Coordinator of District Support for CA Workforce Programs. In this role, she supports K–12 school districts across the state as they participate in the Healthy School Food Pathway program, helping to strengthen the school food workforce and promote scratch-cooked, nutritious meals for students.

Mercy Wanalo

she/her

Coordinator of District Support, CA Workforce Programs

Mercy joined the Chef Ann Foundation in July 2025 and serves as the Coordinator of District Support for CA Workforce Programs. In this role, she supports K–12 school districts across the state as they participate in the Healthy School Food Pathway program, helping to strengthen the school food workforce and promote scratch-cooked, nutritious meals for students.

Previously, she worked in alumni engagement, global health and nutrition, where she built experience in program coordination, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication. Mercy brings a strong background in food systems and a passion for health equity to her work with school communities.

Mercy completed a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Nutrition and Health and is committed to supporting school districts in building healthy, equitable, and sustainable school food programs that reflect the needs of their communities.

Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, especially hiking, reading fiction, catching up on her favorite shows, and spending time with family and friends.


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Who We Are

The Chef Ann Foundation is dedicated to promoting whole-ingredient, scratch-cooking in schools. Scratch-cooking enables schools to serve the healthiest, tastiest meals so that kids are well-fed and ready to learn.

Our Mission

Ensure that school food professionals have the resources, funding and support they need to provide fresh, healthy, delicious, cook from scratch meals that support the health of children and our planet.

Why School Food Matters

American kids start their life-path in K–12 schools where they learn the skills necessary to thrive & meet their potential. While the country debates the best ways to teach them math, science & English, we spend little to no time on food & nutrition.

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