Jennifer E. Gaddis

About the Author

Jennifer E. Gaddis is an associate professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she explores the intersections of food, labor, and public policy. Her research delves into the systemic challenges of school food programs, advocating for equitable access to nutritious meals and fair employment in educational settings. With a PhD in American studies from Brown University, Gaddis brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her work, blending history, sociology, and environmental justice. In her acclaimed book, The Labor of Lunch: Why We Need Real Food and Real Jobs in American Public Schools (Volume 70), she exposes the hidden costs of industrialized food systems and calls for transformative reforms to support both workers and students. Gaddis's writing is informed by extensive fieldwork and a commitment to social change, making complex issues accessible and urgent for a broad audience.