Marjorie Freedman

Marjorie Freedman, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Packaging at San José State University (SJSU), where she has worked since 2005. Her research focuses on environmental correlates of obesity, nutrition policy, food insecurity, and community-based interventions. She has collaborated extensively with local governments and organizations to implement health policies, including San Jose's healthy vending machine policies and Santa Clara County's menu labeling and toy-ban initiatives, which influenced national health legislation.

Education: Dr. Freedman earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Science from the University of California, Davis (1985). Prior to SJSU, she worked in the food industry, non-profit education, and as a nutrition consultant for companies like The NutraSweet Company and The Kellogg Company.

Research interests include sustainable food systems, nutrition education, and policy advocacy. Notable projects include the Spartan Smart Cart (mobile produce initiative on campus) and the development of a Toolkit for Faith-Based Organizations to implement healthy food policies. She has also spearheaded community programs like the campus CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and worked with Most Holy Trinity Church to create a faith-based nutrition policy.

Grants and Awards: Recipient of the 2013 Guardians of Health Award from the California Center for Public Health Advocacy. Funded projects include grants from Kaiser Permanente and the Santa Clara County Public Health Department.

• Advocacy: Played pivotal roles in San Jose's healthy vending policies and Santa Clara County's toy-ban legislation.
• Community Engagement: Collaborated with Second Harvest Food Bank, Veggielution Community Farm, and Three Squares.
• Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles on nutrition policy, food systems, and public health interventions.