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Sarah Nelson
Executive Director at 18 Reasons
Sarah Nelson is the Executive Director of 18 Reasons, a nonprofit cooking school based in San Francisco that focuses on empowering communities through cooking education. She has been involved in food-related projects in the Bay Area since 2008 and has a strong background in community engagement and nutrition education.
Professional Background
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18 Reasons: Nelson has played a pivotal role in expanding the organization, which offers hands-on cooking classes and free community programs aimed at improving food security and cooking skills among diverse populations. Under her leadership, 18 Reasons provides cooking classes to over 3,500 individuals annually, focusing on practical skills to help families prepare healthy meals on a budget.134
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Three Squares: Prior to her role at 18 Reasons, Sarah founded the nonprofit Three Squares in 2011, which provided free cooking and nutrition classes to low-income communities. This initiative later merged with 18 Reasons in 2013, further enhancing the organization's outreach and impact.23
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Innovative Programs: Nelson initiated several key programs such as Market Match, which offers additional funds for farmers' market customers using food stamps, and Veggie Rx, aimed at increasing produce consumption among diabetes patients.3
Personal Interests
Sarah Nelson is passionate about cooking and believes in the transformative power of home cooking. She enjoys activities like rock climbing and biking in her personal time. Her approach to teaching emphasizes making cooking accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their prior experience.13
Through her work at 18 Reasons, Sarah Nelson continues to advocate for better food practices and community engagement around cooking, making significant contributions to food education and security in the Bay Area.
