Francesca Costa Méndez
About Francesca Costa Méndez
Francesca Costa Méndez serves as the Director of Food Assistance, Safety Net at Code for America, where she focuses on enhancing food access initiatives. With a background in program management and community engagement, she has contributed to various food assistance programs in the San Francisco Bay Area since 2008.
Current Role at Code for America
Francesca Costa Méndez serves as the Director of Food Assistance, Safety Net at Code for America since 2023. In this role, she focuses on enhancing food assistance programs and improving access to resources for communities in need. Her responsibilities include overseeing initiatives aimed at increasing food security and collaborating with various stakeholders to implement effective solutions.
Previous Experience at Code for America
Francesca held multiple positions at Code for America prior to her current role. She worked as a Senior Program Manager for GetCalFresh from 2019 to 2021 and as Associate Program Director from 2021 to 2023. In these roles, she contributed to the development of food assistance programs and played a significant part in strategic partnerships to improve food access.
Experience at SF-Marin Food Bank
Francesca Costa Méndez worked at SF-Marin Food Bank in various capacities from 2013 to 2019. She started as a Program Coordinator for CalFresh Outreach, then advanced to Senior Program Coordinator, and finally served as Program Manager for CalFresh Outreach. Her work involved implementing outreach strategies and enhancing program efficiency for food assistance.
Educational Background
Francesca studied at the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in American Studies with honors and Geography from 2004 to 2008. Her education provided a strong foundation for her career in food assistance and community outreach.
Skills and Expertise
Francesca has extensive experience in curriculum development for food assistance programs, focusing on accessibility and inclusivity. She is recognized for her public speaking skills and often engages with community groups to promote food security initiatives. Her training programs for CalFresh have enhanced the capabilities of community partners.