We are delighted to officially extend a warm welcome to the food center to Oliver Gonzalez-Yoakum, who recently joined the Tisch Food Center as a Research Associate II. Oliver’s arrival brings a wealth of passion and experience to our team, and we are excited to introduce him to our community.
Originally hailing from San Francisco, Oliver’s academic journey began at Tufts University, where he earned a degree in Biology. His professional path then led him to New York City and an intriguing role at Casper, the well-known mattress company. While the comfort of mattresses was certainly a perk, the introspection brought on by the pandemic sparked a desire for work with deeper meaning and a stronger connection to his personal values. This pivotal moment guided him towards the field of nutrition, recognizing the profound impact of food on individual and community well-being.
When considering graduate programs, Teachers College at Columbia University quickly emerged as the ideal choice. The blended MS in Nutrition & Exercise Physiology and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) track provided Oliver with a comprehensive understanding of nutrition science. Crucially, his coursework and practical rotations reinforced a fundamental principle: people consume food, not isolated nutrients. This holistic perspective aligns perfectly with the Welcome Food Center’s approach, emphasizing that nutrition professionals should focus on improving access to and promoting the consumption of wholesome foods. As a Zankel Fellow under the mentorship of Dr. Carol Garber, Oliver’s work at the Teachers College Community School further solidified this belief. Serving as a Movement Fellow, he led classes and facilitated structured play, gaining firsthand experience in how both nutrition and physical activity are essential for the development of young minds.
Oliver’s connection with the Tisch Food Center deepened during an internship in the spring. This experience illuminated the significant role Registered Dietitians can play in positively influencing the lives of young people within New York City. The Tisch Food Center’s philosophy, which resonates deeply with Oliver, centers on proactive health promotion. We believe that health is not merely the absence of illness to be corrected, but a state of well-being that should be nurtured and protected from the very beginning. This shared vision makes Oliver’s presence at our welcome food center particularly meaningful. He is enthusiastic about contributing to a team that values his principles and is dedicated to making a real difference.
Beyond his professional dedication to nutrition, Oliver embraces an active and engaging life in New York City. You might find him honing his moves in a dance class at Broadway Dance Center, participating in lively dodgeball games with Big Apple Rec Sports, or planning his next adventure in one of America’s stunning National Parks.
As a Research Associate at our welcome food center, Oliver will be instrumental in collecting and analyzing data related to recent initiatives within NYC Public School lunch programs. His work will also explore the consequences of discontinuing the COVID waivers for free meals, a critical issue impacting food access for many students. Furthermore, Oliver will continue to collaborate with the numerous NYC Nutrition Education providers through the Food Ed Hub Coalition. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen and enhance the food and nutrition curriculum offered within our city’s school system.
We invite you to join us in extending a welcome to the food center for Oliver. We are excited to witness his contributions as he navigates the intersection of nutrition, education, and the dynamic energy of New York City. His commitment promises to positively impact the health and well-being of current and future generations.
— Oliver Gonzalez-Yoakum
Published Wednesday, Nov 22, 2023
