The Team - The Food Embassy

Meet The Team

The Food Embassy Inc was cofounded in 2016 as a not-for-profit social enterprise to address the need for a more equitable food system.

Liz Sanders

Co-Founder & Executive officer

BSc, MNutD, Grad Dip Public Health

Growing up on a farm in the mid north of South Australia, I was hands-on in the world of food from a young age. Early memories of homegrown strawberries and fighting over the crust from the home-made bread are cherished recollections of joy and learning about the taste of good food. Fast-track a few years to a career as a dietitian and community development officer with state and local government in SA and overseas.

I co-founded the SA Community Foodies program and have taught in public health and community nutrition at Flinders University. I have worked overseas in England as a Dietitian/Nutritionist, Ireland as a cook and in Peru as a volunteer community worker. I therefore bring a wealth of community development, partnership building and management skills, as well an extensive knowledge of nutrition and food systems to The Food Embassy Inc.

I love connecting people over the joy of good food and I am passionate about Indigenous food sovereignty and everyone’s right to delicious, wholesome and affordable food.

Olivia Betro

CONSULTANT

BNutHS, PGDBT

I have been working with the community for over eight years and relish the opportunity to work alongside community members to get the best out of themselves and their community.

I’ve worked in community development and as a nutritionist in multiple industries throughout my career. I strive to create opportunities to make informed choices around nutrition and wellbeing and believe in collaboration and equity.

Working with the Food Embassy allows me to celebrate community and work within my values of connection, nourishing food and wellbeing for all people.

Kaye Mehta

CHAIR

BSc, PGDNutDiet, PGDPHC, PhD

I am a retired community dietitian and public health nutrition academic, having worked for 35 years in various community health services and at Finders University. In my role as community dietitian I primarily worked with low-income communities, including migrant and Indigenous communities, and developed strong advocacy skills through establishing and leading the Coalition of Food Advertising for Children.

Sustainable food systems is an important concern and I co-developed the precursor educational course that is now delivered by The Food Embassy (TFE) as Food Matters. I bring research, evaluation and project management skills to The Food Embassy.

Hannah Thwaites

SECRETARY

BA(IntnlStud), BA(Hons), GradCertEnvMgmtSust

I grew up in a household that always valued growing food and growing community. Currently I am undertaking an interdisciplinary PhD, researching the potential role of household urban agriculture (growing food at home) in fostering community resilience in the face of climate change.

Previously, I co-owned and operated The Productive Garden Co., that supported and promoted edible gardens.

My role with The Food Embassy allows me to engage practically with building restorative and nurturing local food communities. It also provides an opportunity to learn more about food sovereignty and that it can only truly be achieved when recognising First Nations people as the traditional custodians of these lands.

Maddy

TREASURER

Born and raised in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, I have always been an active, hands-on person, whilst also being a dreamer at heart! I took to cooking from an early age, and have always considered food as a key piece to the puzzle. My over-arching passion is around balancing the many elements that produce healthy, connected, resilient and vibrant, locally-focused communities. My recent work has centred around exploring organic and regenerative food production. I am currently undertaking a biodynamic vegetable and seed growing project, and am stepping into the role of head gardener for a farm to table restaurant in the Adelaide Hills.