Rachel Atcheson

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT RACHEL ATCHESON

Rachel is a nationally recognized leader in food policy, known for driving large-scale change from inside government and developing leaders who go on to shape policy themselves. As the Executive Director and Founder of Food Policy Pathways (founded January 2025), Rachel serves as a mentor to food policy leaders, and an advisor to nonprofit and for-profit organizations advancing policies for a healthier, more resilient food system.Rachel previously served as Deputy Director of New York City’s Mayor’s Office of Food Policy, At-Large Director of the SUNY Downstate Committee on Plant-Based Health and Nutrition, and Borough President Adams’ Deputy Strategist, where she focused on food policy and contributed to the establishment of Meatless Mondays in NYC public schools, the launch of lifestyle medicine programs in NYC Health+Hospitals, and other public health and sustainability initiatives.Rachel hosts quarterly alternative protein meet-ups in New York City and Washington, D.C, as well as salon dinners across the country. Her events feature Congressmembers, venture capitalists, business leaders, scientists, and philanthropies. Attendees collectively control more than $10 Billion in assets and investments.Rachel’s programs have been recognized by the White House, the World Resources Institute, and Bloomberg Philanthropies for their transformative impact on the food landscape, and other cities have since launched their own food policy programs that emulate New York City\'s. In addition to her work in city government, Rachel advises nonprofits and philanthropies on advocacy strategy.