Emiliano Cardoza

Work Highlights

Researched food procurement policies affecting Erie County, Buffalo, and Buffalo Public Schools and examined how values-based procurement as per the Good Food Purchasing Program can be implemented locally.

Created a fact sheet, op-ed, and policy brief to share research findings and policy recommendations internally and externally to MAP.

Engaged in various meetings with Buffalo community groups including Seeding Resilience and Good Food Buffalo Coalition to discuss improvement needs in the local food system.

Summer Takeaway

This summer I learned how expansive food systems are and how important public food purchasing is to the well-being of Black and brown community members and businesses.

Supervisor Quote

The Good Food Buffalo Coalition is indebted to Leo Cardoza for his critical policy research that will bring about food systems change for our region. Through his ability to envision the big picture while also being able to convey minute details, Leo helped us grasp the state and local food policy landscape, and begin planning next steps for policy advocacy. We also just had such a good time with Leo and his easy-going nature enabled him to put up with his two kooky supervisors with good grace.

–Rebekah Williams and Jess Gilbert