Program and Partnerships Coordinator
Janel Hutchison is a nonprofit professional with more than 15 years of experience designing and delivering community-based programs across the arts, education, and food systems. Her work focuses on building partnerships and strengthening access to resources that support resilient communities and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
At the Food Finance Institute, Janel coordinates programs and partnerships that connect food and farm businesses with training, technical assistance, and strategic resources. She works closely with FFI’s team, national partners, and entrepreneurs to support program delivery and expand access to tools that help businesses grow and succeed.
Prior to joining FFI, Janel had a professional ballet career spanning more than 15 years, where she performed while also leading community outreach and developing arts programming, including work with individuals with disabilities. Her experience designing and delivering community-centered programs informs her current work building partnerships and supporting mission-driven initiatives.
Janel’s interest in food systems developed through her graduate work, including collaboration with the Great Lakes Intertribal Food Coalition to support access to nutritious and culturally relevant food for Tribal elders. This experience shaped her focus on equity, access, and community-driven solutions within regional food systems.
Outside of her professional work, Janel continues to engage in dance and community-based arts programming.
- Master of Science, Human Ecology – University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Bachelor of Science, Life Sciences Communication and Community & Environmental Sociology – University of Wisconsin–Madison
