Samantha Bader

Samantha Bader is passionate about helping people tell their stories by transforming meaningful and complex information in a way that is digestible and compelling. She enjoys learning and talking about food, nutrition, farming and food access. She currently serves as the communications officer at the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR).

Prior to joining FFAR, Bader was a communications specialist for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs, the state office that administers USDA Child Nutrition Programs.  In this position, she led strategic communications, launched a comprehensive website, wrote talking points for leadership, developed annual reports and created accessible training materials. In addition to her role, Bader administered the state-level Farm to School program, working collaboratively with other state agencies, local farmers and schools to increase access to local foods and agriculture education in schools.

Bader’s experience in the food and health policy and communication began at the ground level, first as a researcher at Case Western Reserve University Hospitals, where she developed study manuals and managed round communications. Following this, Bader began work as a school nutrition director where she successfully administered numerous child nutrition programs.  Notably, she launched a Farm to School program increasing education and access to nutritious foods.

Bader earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Baldwin Wallace University and a master’s degree in Public Health from Cleveland State University. In her spare time, she enjoys teaching yoga, gardening and cooking.