Esther Trakinski is the first Farm to School Food coordinator for the New York City Department of Education. In this role, she works to bring New York-grown produce and minimally-processed food products into New York City schools. After earning a BA from Amherst College and practicing law, Trakinski shifted gears to the food world, where she actively became involved with advisory work for various non-profits, including Heritage Radio Network and Change Food. A graduate of the Master’s Program in Food Studies, she aims to teach and inspire young people to reshape our food systems. Trakinski also serves on the steering committee for the New York City Youth Food Countermarketing Network, an initiative which aims to prevent obesity by responding to food advertising. Currently, she teaches Food Systems, Food Advocacy, and Food Policy + Politics in the Department.