Written by: Abby de Riel

This summer, we welcomed Vanessa Cruz to join our ScratchWorks collective as a full-time Program Manager. This new position will propel our work even further: ScratchWorks is now a collective of over 150 participants representing over 130 school districts nationally, all committed to learning and working together to cook more school meals from scratch. Joining us from over three years at the Whole Foods Market Foundation, Vanessa has learned and deeply supported ScratchWorks’ operations. We introduce you to Vanessa in a lightly edited interview below. Welcome, Vanessa! 

What brought you to ScratchWorks? 

I first got involved with ScratchWorks in 2023 while working at the Whole Foods Market Foundation, helping to support the Inaugural ScratchWorks Gathering in Austin. Over the last two years, I’ve watched ScratchWorks grow and reach a tipping point — one that needed someone fully dedicated to keep the momentum going. I’m incredibly grateful I was given the opportunity to step into that role. 

What I love most about ScratchWorks is the people. There’s a real sense of community here. My favorite part of the job is connecting folks who need each other to do the real work — feeding kids healthy meals every single day. 

Why are you so passionate about wellness and scratch cooking? What does “wellness” mean to you? 

I grew up in one of the most unhealthy cities in the United States, so I saw firsthand the consequences of poor nutrition on the body in my community and in my own family. This propelled me to pursue an undergraduate degree in Nutrition, then a Master’s in Public Health, and become a registered dietitian, so I could help communities and families like mine build healthier futures. For me, wellness means being in tune with your own health and having the freedom to make the best choices to support your wellbeing. 

With a Master’s in Public Health and a dietetic internship under your wing, what advice would you give to other students aspiring to go down this path? 

I am so relieved that I decided to do an MPH so that I could have a really well-rounded education to my very heavy science undergraduate degree. I would advise any aspiring dietitians to consider an array of Master’s programs beyond a Master’s of Science and all the fields of practice they can work in. 

What project are you most looking forward to with ScratchWorks? 

I’m especially excited about launching our new online community platform. It will give participants a space to stay connected beyond the in-person gatherings. A place where they can share ideas, lean on each other, and continue learning together. That ongoing support network is going to be a game-changer. 

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received from a ScratchWorks participant? 

One piece of advice that stuck with me came from a ScratchWorks participant who said, “It’s all about the kids.” It sounds simple, but keeping them at the center of work brings purpose and joy into everything I do. 

What is your favorite wellness practice? 

My favorite wellness practice is to go on long walks with an audiobook and my dog. 

What is your favorite meal or healthy snack to make (scratch-cooked)? 

My favorite meal to make from scratch is a childhood favorite of mine, arroz con pollo, which always brings back great memories of my aunt making sofrito from scratch.