BOSTON - Monday, September 28, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the appointment of Tosha Baker as the Director of the Office of Food Initiatives for the City of Boston. Ms. Baker, a Dorchester resident, brings over a decade of food and nutrition experience to her new role.

"Tosha brings incredible purpose to this position, and is devoted to ensuring that Boston is food secure," said Mayor Walsh. "Her years of experience working to improve the health of our City with proper nutrition, increasing food access, and reducing hunger make her an invaluable leader."

Prior to accepting the role of Director, Ms. Baker spent eight years working for Women, Infant and Children (WIC) as a Nutritionist and lactation consultant (CLC), where she provided nutritional counseling to improve the health and long-term outcomes of Boston's low income families.Ms. Baker's background also includes working as a professionally trained chef and nutritionist at the Food Project, and serving in the FANtastic Kids program of Boston Medical Center, a twelve week after-school fitness and nutrition program.

"I am truly honored to lead the City's Office of Food Initiatives under the leadership of a Mayor who is devoted to creating a thriving and healthy Boston," said Ms. Baker. "I am eager to build on the work of this Office and passionate about collaborating with partners to maximize access to healthy, fresh foods for all of the people of Boston, and especially for those who need it most."

The Mayor's Office of Food Initiatives works to increase access to healthy and affordable food, promote healthy choices and the City resources that can reduce hunger and obesity. The Office also supports a sustainable food environment through increased urban farming and public composting.

Ms. Baker obtained dual degrees in Culinary Nutrition and Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI. She is an active member of B.O.N.D of Color (Boston Organization of Dietitians and Nutritionists), and lives in Dorchester.