Front Range Bioneers

Mara Fleishman is a force to be reckoned with in the world of school food reform. While some might assume that 7 years ago Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) would have had a healthy, nourishing school food program—that was not the case. French toast sticks in syrup and canned fruit were the norm. Mara, a parent of the three, was instrumental in changing the school food program. Her passion is what brought Chef Ann Cooper (aka “The Renegade Lunch Lady”) to BVSD where Chef Ann would transform the food program and establish the Chef Ann Foundation with the mission to ensure that all children in the U.S. have access to healthy food at school. Now Mara serves as Executive Director for the foundation.