Christine McCullum-Gomez is a food and nutrition consultant based in Bogotá, Colombia. She has a PhD in Nutritional Sciences from Cornell University with minors in Program Evaluation and Public Policy. Her PhD dissertation research focused on understanding mechanisms and effects of power within a community-based food security planning process using an action research approach. Her research and work experience lie in food security and sustainable food systems. She is a Column Editor and serves on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition and is Chair-Elect, Global Member Interest Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Dr. McCullum-Gomez has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications on sustainable food production and biodiversity, which are crucial to combating all forms of malnutrition. She assisted in the development of food and environmental standards for the United Nations and served as Co-Chair for the Food Security Sub-theme of the International Congress of Dietetics. Finally, she has held multiple leadership positions in the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior, including Chair – Division of Sustainable Food Systems, Chair – Advisory Committee on Public Policy, and Secretary, Board of Directors.

Marissa Bell holds a Bachelor's in Nutritional Sciences from Texas A&M University with a minor in Horticulture and a Master's of Public Health in Health Promotion and Education from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Her work is dedicated to fostering a sustainable food system that supports healthy lifestyle behaviors, local economies, and environmental health. Currently, Marissa is the Dietitian & Marketing Coordinator at Lake Travis ISD where she leads the implementation of the Good Food Purchasing Program, aligning district food purchases with 5 core values: local economies, environmental sustainability, valued workforce, animal welfare, and nutrition. She applies these values to various aspects of menu planning, procurement processes, and nutrition education across 12 schools, serving over 11,250 students. Furthermore, as a member of the Hunger & Environmental Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group, a Sustainable Food Center Farm-to-School Ambassador, and as a member of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board, Marissa actively collaborates with other experts in the field to bring about food systems change in school cafeterias and the broader community.