Meet the Mobile Food Market Team!
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MANDY CHAPMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mandy is a proud Nova Scotian. Her desire to serve the Nova Scotian community came at an early age when she started volunteering with the homelessness and housing sector. Through her life’s journey and diverse education, she has had the privilege and opportunity to work the front lines of shelters, group homes, with food banks, farmers, large corporations and food providers. Her experiences have influenced her lens of practice and shaped the core of who she is. She blends her love of food and desire to serve people, while being a guiding force behind creating relationships that create opportunity for dignified experience, allowing for individual autonomy and equity.
Mandy’s passion for service to her community is powered by her belief and hope that all people are afforded the quality of life they deserve, fostering the most basic of needs of the provinces most vulnerable to building a strong foundation for vibrant sustainable communities.
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ISAAC BERRY, FOOD EQUITY COORDINATOR
Isaac has a passion for food security and food sovereignty. Working in food systems was never far away for Isaac, who had worked on apple farms in the Annapolis Valley and studied Fair-Trade while completing an honours degree in International Development at Saint Mary’s University. He is excited about the opportunity to work with Mobile Food Market and to build strong connections in the community. Outside of the MFM, Isaac is completing his master’s in Global Development at Saint Mary’s university, plays soccer, and boulders.
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NIGEL BROWN, PROGRAM FACILITATOR
Nigel has worked towards fostering strong communities here in Nova Scotia and abroad for most of his adult life. Nigel grew up in Halifax and has spent time living in Ontario, Australia, and Thailand. He does not shy away from an adventure and the learning opportunities that come from stepping out of his comfort zone. Nigel has a passion for environmentally sustainable practices with a science background from Dalhousie University. He is keen to continue building strong relationships in the community. Outside of the Mobile Food Market, Nigel likes to snowboard, scuba dive and boulder but most of all he enjoys spending an afternoon playing boardgames with friends.
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SIENA DAVIDIAN, MARKET ASSISTANT
Originally from Ontario, Siena made the move to Halifax in 2021 to pursue a degree in nutrition at Mount Saint Vincent. Growing up, cooking alongside her mother and grandmother’s was her favourite activity, showing her the love and connection good food could bring to the different people and communities around her. Throughout her studies and work in Halifax her love of food and cooking has slowly come to include a passion for food sovereignty. Being part of a team that makes good food accessible to the community fills her with gratitude. When she's not immersed in her nutrition studies, you'll likely find her roller blading, crafting, and experimenting with new recipes.
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RHEA GUPTA, PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Rhea was born and raised in Ontario but now calls Halifax her home. Her bachelor’s in biomedical sciences coupled with her work within the community has led to a blossoming interest in food sovereignty. Rhea sees food not only as a pivotal piece of human health but also as an avenue for connection. She aspires to build strong connections with the community through this role. Outside of work, you can find Rhea biking, crafting, and most definitely eating ice cream.