Jacqueline A. Futch earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and Sociology from The Florida State University and a Master of Public Health in Nutrition from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, where she also completed her Dietetic Internship. Before pursuing her doctorate, she held positions at Second Harvest Food Bank in New Orleans, The Food Trust, and the Tulane Prevention Research Center. In her most recent role as Director of Community Health & Nutrition at Feeding Texas, Jacqueline led a statewide network in designing and evaluating nutrition-focused programs to improve food access, nutrition education, and reduce insecurity for marginalized populations.

Fueled by a commitment to human-centered design and amplifying the lived experience of those most vulnerable, Jacqueline brings her field expertise to Cornell’s Nutrition Liberation, Food Sovereignty, and Justice Lab. Her research interests lie at the intersections of food systems, equity, and health—specifically how community-driven and policy-level interventions can close gaps and improve health outcomes. 

Under the mentorship of Dr. Angela Odoms-Young, Jacqueline’s current research examines equity-centered practices within the charitable food system. Through a multi-case study with Feeding America, she investigates how food banks around the country contribute to closing gaps in food and nutrition security among disproportionately affected populations.  Jacqueline is also working to co-design a Food is Medicine intervention targeting youth and young adult individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease.

MPH, Nutrition, Tulane University
B.S., Dietetics & Sociology, The Florida State University