Past president of the Food Recovery Network chapter on campus, London Dejarnette ’24, was recently selected for the Congressional Hunger Center’s Alumni Council, a nonprofit at the forefront of innovative food policy. They say their connection to the organization as a student at Allegheny College was transformative.
“My experience in the Zero Hunger Internship Program completely changed my life, which is why I try to convince every college student I’ve met who is interested in food justice and policy to apply,” says Dejarnette. “Without the Center for Career and Professional Development, I couldn’t have done any of the life-changing internship experiences I had while at Allegheny.”
They further reflect that their time in The Bonner Program at Allegheny College was crucial to their success as a first-generation student and impacts their role today as the program supervisor of “The Table” food pantry at NYU Langone Health in Brooklyn.
Bonner was the catalyst for many of my professional experiences, opening doors to opportunities that shaped my career,” notes Dejarnette. “Being in Bonner connected me to the work of The Congressional Hunger Center, which led me to learn about the Food Recovery Network and the impact of their chapters across the country. The opening of the Food Resource Center with Food Recovery Network made me realize I want to continue to do work that establishes communal mechanisms for food security.
After majoring in environmental science and sustainability (ESS) with a minor in community and justice studies (COMJ), Dejarnette worked as a food programs coordinator at Oberlin Community Services, where they oversaw food distribution to over 300 families and initiated a farm-to-fork cooking class for youth.
They went on to serve as the Communication and Outreach Manager for FamilyCook Productions, which jointly bridges nutrition education and food distribution. In their role, Dejarnette oversaw communication between the New York City Office of Food and Nutrition Services, students, and teachers.
Dejarnette notes that their interdisciplinary studies between ESS and COMJ enabled them to think critically about community issues.
“I don’t think I would’ve had the academic environment to pursue the specific career pathway I’ve chosen without the combination of both of these fields,” says Dejarnette. “Allegheny taught me how to imagine a world more sustainable and more just than the one we currently live in.”
As a student, they says their involvement with the dining committee, Carrden, Meadville Market House, and Food Resource Center shaped how they viewed the intersection of food policy and distribution.
“Allegheny provides its students with experiences that directly connect them to hands-on applications of the topics discussed in class. I entered the workforce with so many ideas from the case studies I studied while writing my Senior Comprehensive Project, that I felt equipped beyond just having a diploma but having a tool kit of best practices under my belt.”
Now at NYU Langone Health in Brooklyn, Dejarnette addresses food insecurity in the community by providing programs to increase access to nutritious food.
Dejarnette reflects, “Discussing recipes with grandparents who don’t get the opportunity to talk to people much, introducing a new vegetable to a 2nd grader, and guiding current college students on how to approach the demands of collegiate life is beyond rewarding.”
