A cardboard box filled with fresh vegetables including green lettuce, yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, eggplant, potatoes, onion, and zucchini.

About Us

Real change happens when communities come together around a shared mission.

Mission

To expand access to fresh, local, and affordable food and empower individuals with the skills, confidence, and support to make healthy eating joyful, flavorful, and sustainable

Vision

A New York State where local food strengthens health, families, and communities

Our Story

Originally established in North Carolina by nutrition researchers Lucia Leone and Rachel Tabak, Community Nutrition Partnership began with a commitment to expanding access to nourishing food. The organization later expanded its work in New York, where it continues to grow under the leadership of co-founder and Executive Director Kristie Chamberlain.

A Western New York native, Kristie is passionate about the connection between food

and health—an interest shaped by seeing the impact of nutrition firsthand within her own family.

Today, Community Nutrition Partnership works across Western New York to help individuals and families access nourishing food, build confidence in the kitchen, and develop lasting healthy habits.

Our Team

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Kristie Chamberlain 

Co-Founder/
Executive Director
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Kaitlyn Burton 

Registered Dietician
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Amanda Mikels 

Program Manager

Linnea Carlson 

Community Program Development Manager

Onyx Castro 

Community Health Worker
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Ahlam Mohammed

Community Health Worker

Laura Ling 

Community Care Coordinator

Our Board

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Marijke Kemble, Executive Coach

Board Chair
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Jamie Perry, Account Manager, Centene

Vice-Chair/Secretary
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Brandon Haspett, Director of Treasury and Investor Relations at National Fuel Gas Company

Treasurer

Sheree Love, Manager Physician Relations, Catholic Medical Partners IPA 

Board Member
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Anne Noble, Executive Director of the Bar Association of Erie County

Chair Governance Committee

Jennifer Kolis, Senior VP, M&T Bank

Board Member

Molly Carr PhD, Chief Executive Officer, Jewish Family Services of WNY 

Board Member
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Dr. Lucia Leone, Associate Professor, University at Buffalo 

Co-Founder, Strategic Advisor