What we do
Nourish America was founded upon the simple intention to nourish, not simply feed, every child with an abundance of healthy, nutritious food tailored to their unique needs. Our approach to combating food insecurity has been informed by our founder's personal experiences with food insecurity, as well as the challenges that our food bank partners face in bridging the income gap in access to nutritious, allergy-safe foods.
The Covid-19 pandemic plunged many families into food insecurity, and recently, the steep rise in inflation has led parents to wonder whether they can put food on the table. It is vital that we prioritize giving organic & nutritious food to allow these families to thrive. We focus on cultivating a strong nationwide network of partner organizations and maximizing the positive sustained impact on the families that we serve:
The Covid-19 pandemic plunged many families into food insecurity, and recently, the steep rise in inflation has led parents to wonder whether they can put food on the table. It is vital that we prioritize giving organic & nutritious food to allow these families to thrive. We focus on cultivating a strong nationwide network of partner organizations and maximizing the positive sustained impact on the families that we serve:
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Since our founding in 2018, Nourish America has expanded its chapters to New York, New Jersey, and Michigan. Recognizing that communities of color in urban areas often feel the disproportionate impact of hunger, We have launched initiatives to support food banks in New York City and will soon begin operations in Atlanta, Georgia. We will continue our initiatives to reduce food insecurity in urban areas that are experiencing a steep rise in food prices. We will build upon our work with food pantries at Columbia University and the University of Michigan to provide healthy meals for college students.
Increasing youth engagement in the anti-hunger movement is at the forefront of Nourish America’s mission. We utilize social media platforms such as Instagram (@nourishamerica) and YouTube to spread awareness of food insecurity and how people can take action. Our campaigns intend to educate young people on ways to contribute to the fight against hunger whether through fundraising, volunteering, or advocacy.
Increasing youth engagement in the anti-hunger movement is at the forefront of Nourish America’s mission. We utilize social media platforms such as Instagram (@nourishamerica) and YouTube to spread awareness of food insecurity and how people can take action. Our campaigns intend to educate young people on ways to contribute to the fight against hunger whether through fundraising, volunteering, or advocacy.
Meet The team
Shreya Shivakumar / Founder and President
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Shreya Shivakumar is a student at Barnard College of Columbia University, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Economics. She is an Online Editor at the Columbia Undergraduate Law Review and a Curriculum Director of the Athena Mock Trial club. Shreya's experiences with childhood food insecurity and learning about the lack of organic, allergy-friendly options available to those in need inspired her to found Nourish America at fifteen years old. She has been recognized as a Gold Award Girl Scout, Invisalign Changemaker, and Sodexo Stop Hunger Scholar for her efforts to alleviate food insecurity. Shreya's experience as a social entrepreneur, along with her professional experience in public interest law and nonprofits, has inspired her dedication to public service. Shreya plans to attend law school after graduation and pursue a career as an attorney.
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Sarina Thapar / Vice President
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Sarina Thapar is a sophomore at Emory University majoring in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology and minoring in Ethics. She is currently Vice President for Nishana, Emory’s Bollywood fusion dance team, an analyst for Everview Consulting, and just completed an internship at NYU Langone Health. She is passionate about bridging the gap between health outcomes in wealthy and underprivileged populations and hopes to achieve this goal through her commitment to community service and furthering scientific knowledge through research. In her free time, she volunteers as a crisis counselor to help individuals going through mental health emergencies and enjoys going on hikes and traveling. Sarina plans to attend medical school after graduation and will eventually pursue a career as a physician.
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Vasundhara Kulkarni is a sophomore at University of Michigan majoring in Computer Science, with a specialized interest in Data Mining and Artificial Intelligence. She is involved in various clubs on campus including Girls in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and MHackers. Vasundhara practices using computing for social good by building websites for local organizations, and she is a Gold Award Girl Scout. Her passion for alleviating food insecurity and providing access to nutritious foods began from growing and donating produce from a hydroponics system at her highschool. In her free time, Vasundhara loves reading, working out, and playing the violin. After graduation, Vasundhara plans to pursue a career in the tech sphere and conduct research in computational sustainability.
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Nami Jain is a sophomore at Rutgers University majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Business Administration. She is exploring different careers by getting involved on campus through various organizations, including the Rutgers Consulting Group, Blueprint Product Management Fellowship, and the Aresty Research Center for Undergraduates. In her free time, Nami loves working out, painting, traveling, meeting new people, and spending time with friends and family. She is passionate about giving back to her community through service and education and is excited to work with the rest of the Nourish team to continue to spread and strengthen Nourish America's impact.
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Shravya Harish / Treasurer
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Shravya is a student at The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. She is currently completing a major in Biology and a minor in Theater. Her passions include forensics and environmental sciences. In her free time, Shravya likes to practice yoga and tai chi. She is also an avid potter and reader. She likes to participate in fencing matches as well. Some fun facts about Shravya include that she knows eight languages and has won three food eating competitions. Her dream is to travel to at least fifteen countries. In the future, Shravya would like to work with either the United Nations or a Non-governmental Organization (NGO).
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Features
"Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation Announces Its 2022 Award Recipients" - Yahoo News
"Donating Healthy, High-Quality Food" - Sodexo Blog
"High school juniors start nonprofit, donate allergen-free foods to those in need" - NJ.com
"Nourish America Donates Food To Refugees Affected By Covid-19" - TapInto
Points of Light Foundation
Jersey's Best - June 2022
"Donating Healthy, High-Quality Food" - Sodexo Blog
"High school juniors start nonprofit, donate allergen-free foods to those in need" - NJ.com
"Nourish America Donates Food To Refugees Affected By Covid-19" - TapInto
Points of Light Foundation
Jersey's Best - June 2022