Board of Directors

Paul Eaves, Board President

Gardener (fey)

I have been involved with MFC for more than 20 years as a board member and administrator. I am devoted to our mission of illuminating students and their families about the wonders of food. My primary interests outside of MFC are water walks, tending the George Floyd memorial, honoring my ancestors, gardening, and being an excellent husband.

 

Unpeeled tamarind fruit in a bowl.

Kara Green, Vice President

Former MPS Teacher (she/her)

I am originally from Lincoln, NE and completed my undergraduate education in the Kansas City area. I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Education at Augsburg University in Minneapolis.  I’m entering my 4th year teaching 3rd grade in Minneapolis.  I have called the beautiful city of Minneapolis home for about 10 years. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, and exploring the Twin Cities.  I live in north Minneapolis with my husband.

 

Rachel Matsumoto

Teacher (she/her)

Originally, I am from the Detroit area of Michigan moving here many years ago to teach in the Minneapolis School System. Some of my hobbies include knitting, hiking, reading, and of course cooking foods to share with friends and family. My favorite part of teaching is working with Midwest Food Connection, teaching students about foods they can enjoy locally and making new recipes they can share with their families.

 

Paul Bresin

Assistant Store Manager &  Produce Manager (he/him)

I have worked at Valley Natural Foods in Burnsville for the past six years and am currently the Assistant Store Manager and Produce Manager. I have eaten a plant-based diet for over 10 years and am inspired by MFC’s mission to help young people deepen their relationship with the food in their lives. I grew up in Eagan and currently live in Burnsville. After work, I can often be found at the local disc golf course.

Gail Graham

Former Senior Advisor at Mississippi Market (she/her)

As a long-time co-op staffer, dedicated healthy eater, and grandmother of kids in the Minneapolis school system, I have long appreciated the work that Midwest Food Connection does to educate the next generation. Their hands-on approach inspires kids, opens them up to new culinary experiences, and gets them excited about good food.

 

Corina Occhiato

Student (she/her)

I was drawn to MFC because I have a deep passion for food justice and equity, which has just as much to do with food education as it does food access. In a day and age where our food systems are increasingly disconnected from our daily lives, I believe that empowering children to understand where their food comes from and how it impacts their bodies, communities, and the environment is an important investment in their future health and happiness.

 

Cierra Brown

Environmental Justice Organizer (she/they)

Cierra is an environmental justice community organizer from Minnesota with a passion for empowering youth and advocating for sustainable change. With 10+ years of experience in community organizing, Cierra has focused on food justice and environmental advocacy, helping youth connect and push for environmental change. Cierra is drawn to Midwest Food Connection for its hands-on approach to food education through cooking, gardening, and art. They believe in the power of young people to drive change, and are excited to contribute to the organization’s mission of fostering deeper relationships between children, food, and the earth.

 

 

Brook Williams

Founder of Fat Kitty Gardens (she/her)

As the founder of Fat Kitty Gardens, a new urban agriculture venture in Inver Grove Heights, Brook is deeply committed to growing food and fostering connections between people and their food sources. An early love for food and nature evolved into a career in the food service industry, where she spent many years honing her skills and understanding food’s power to nourish. Now with Fat Kitty Gardens, Brook focuses on providing fresh, nutritious, and sustainable food to the local community. Motivated by her young son, Brook is dedicated to building a better, more sustainable future through food education, community involvement, and sustainable agriculture practices.