Nitschke headshot

Emerson Fellow

Margot Nitschke

23rd Class, 2016-2017

Originally from Rochester, New York, Margot graduated from St. Lawrence University with a combined degree in sociology and environmental studies. While at SLU, she interned for a food recovery and community meal program, and was responsible for coordinating all facets of a weekly meal, including procuring and preparing food, organizing volunteers, and maintaining community partner relationships. Margot researched sustainability and poverty while studying abroad in Denmark and Ethiopia respectively. She was also an active member in a variety of community engagement programs that range in topic including youth mentoring, home insecurity, and sustainable agriculture.

Field placement: La Casa Norte

Chicago, Illinois

At La Casa Norte, Margot built the capacity of the Community Engagement and Food Initiatives departments by developing a volunteer resource guide that supports the Northwest Food Partners Network's ability to recruit and maintain long-term volunteers, organizing an in-kind donor engagement drive, and assisting with food rescue initiatives. Margot also worked with youth clients to develop and implement a participant-centered nutrition program.

Policy placement: Alliance to End Hunger

Washington, D.C.

At the Alliance to End Hunger, Margot expanded the Alliance's framework of "Hunger is a Racial Equity Issue." For this strategic campaign, she researched the connections between hunger, poverty, and racial equity, co-authored a background paper to support this research, and organized a convening, webinar series, and advocacy action that encouraged Alliance members to incorporate an equity lens into their work.

Publications & Blog Posts