Demetria Cox-Thomas is a dynamic leader making waves in the realm of Food & Nutrition Education. She spearheads impactful programs, collaborating with various local food and health organizations to foster community well-being. Among her valued partners are The Bulb Mobile Markets, United Healthcare, The Charlotte Mecklenburg Food Policy Council, and local farmers markets.

 

Demetria's journey is deeply rooted in her childhood experiences and a profound connection to food. Hailing from Anson County, her family initially farmed on someone else's land before relocating to Charlotte, where they maintained a vegetable garden in their own backyards. Raised in an environment where fresh, delicious food was readily accessible, Demetria only recognized it as a privilege in adulthood, particularly during her freshman year in college when she faced food insecurity for the first time.

 

Her transformative path began with internships in food service management, where witnessing the significant amount of wasted food fueled her desire to contribute to the food industry differently. Demetria aimed to share her positive relationship with food by ensuring everyone had access to fresh produce and the skills to prepare it with minimal waste. This commitment led her to collaborate with local non-profits focused on reducing food insecurity through initiatives like growing food with children and managing vegetable gardens that provided fresh produce to communities.

 

Becoming a registered dietitian, Demetria extended her impact to teach about healthy eating habits, growing, and cooking nutritious food. Rather than intentionally choosing leadership, she authentically aligned herself with the work, and the path to leadership unfolded naturally. Demetria's motivation remains grounded in the ability to create connections and bring joy through food, making her a beacon of inspiration in the field of food and nutrition education. Her work exemplifies the power of authenticity, compassion, and a profound understanding of the transformative potential of food within communities.