Boston Adds New Director of Food Initiatives

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Mayor Walsh’s office

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced Monday the appointment of Tosha Baker as city’s new Director of the Office of Food Initiatives. Baker, a Dorchester resident, brings over a decade of food and nutrition experience to the new role.

“Tosha brings incredible purpose to this position, and is devoted to ensuring that Boston is food secure,” said Walsh. “Her years of experience working to improve the health of our City with proper nutrition, increasing food access, and reducing hunger make her an invaluable leader.”

Prior to accepting the new role, Baker spent eight years working for Women, Infant and Children (WIC) as a Nutritionist and lactation consultant (CLC), where she provided nutritional counseling to improve the health and long-term outcomes of Boston’s low income families. Baker’s background also includes working as a professionally trained chef and nutritionist at the Food Project, and serving in the FANtastic Kids program of Boston Medical Center, an after-school fitness and nutrition program.

“I am eager to build on the work of this Office and passionate about collaborating with partners to maximize access to healthy, fresh foods for all of the people of Boston, and especially for those who need it most,” Baker said.

The Mayor’s Office of Food Initiatives works to increase access to healthy and affordable food, promote healthy choices and the City resources that can reduce hunger and obesity. The Office also supports a sustainable food environment through increased urban farming and public composting.