Nick Stavely, Director of Incentive Programs
Nick leads food access programming across the FRESHFARM network of farmers markets and partners, leveraging regional partnerships, collective action, and data to improve the local food system. With more than 10 years of experience working with local farmers and food producers, social service organizations, and government partners, Nick has created positive change for the region combining new technology with community engagement. Nick previously oversaw the day-to-day implementation of 15 farmers markets and staff for Community Foodworks. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park and loves sourdough from market.
Nancy Barrett, Food Access Associate
Nancy was born and raised in Prince George’s County. She works at ECO City Farms, a teaching and learning urban farming nonprofit, as their Communications and Operations Coordinator. Nancy is very passionate about local food systems as a strategy for community wellbeing, ecological restoration, and combatting and responding to the climate crisis. Favorite market products: apples, mushrooms, seedlings
Barbara DeSilva, Food Access Program Coordinator
Passionate about the intersections of human ecology and public health, Barbara is drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of food systems work. With previous experience in international development, program management, grassroots organizing, and organic farming, Barbara looks forward to using her varied skillset when supporting food access initiatives with the FRESHFARM team. Favorite market products: Golden Delicious apples and dandelion greens
Jamie Lu, Food Access Associate
Victoria Scarangella, Food Access Program Senior Manager
As Food Access Program Senior Manager, Victoria’s role is to implement local food access solutions in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. To achieve this goal, Victoria leads the implementation, management, and evaluation of regional incentive programs in addition to overseeing the incentives programs’ Coalition. Victoria started learning to cook even as she was still learning to walk, albeit in a cardboard kitchen. With a longstanding passion for equitable food access, Victoria found her way to FRESHFARM where she engages with local farmers, vendors, and community members to improve access to nutrition incentives programs and healthy, culturally-significant foods, and to bolster the local food economy. Favorite market products: baked goods and garlic
Corey Snedgen, Food Access Operations Manager
Corey started at FRESHFARM in 2016, where he went from intern to coordinator of FRESHFARM’s Market Share program in 2018. Over the years, he has managed several farmers markets and served as Market Personnel Manager before joining the food access team in 2023. Corey joined FRESHFARM to connect with farmers and better understand where our food comes from. He has an extensive background working with produce. Previously, he has worked as a produce buyer, farm manager, and vendor for farms in Virginia and Maryland. Favorite market product: hot sauce and hot peppers
Valentina Soto Ruiz, Food Access Associate
As an artist and environmental professional, Valentina a firm believer in the interconnectedness of ecology, environmental justice, and social equity, with food justice at the center. She was born and raised in Colombia, where she grew up eating fresh vegetables and nourishing meals from her grandmother’s kitchen. Valentina has also called Maryland home for over a decade, and they wish others could experience what they had growing up—access to fresh food and connection to the land and people who sustain and grow it. Valentina is inspired to contribute to local food systems change that ensures a food-secure future for all. Favorite market product: Ferments and heirloom tomatoes!
Market Champions: Peter Atwill, Juanita Blassingame, Marie Brown, Karen Chevez, Brenda Person, Kimberly Price, Mary Rossettos