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Melissa Hoffman, M.S.

Melissa (she/her) has worked with JIFA since its inception in 2016. In her role, she consults with Jewish organizations and communities across the country to develop and implement ethical food practices, as well as curriculum and programs that foster compassion for all living beings through the lens of Jewish values. Prior to working with JIFA at Farm Forward, she earned her M.S. in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts University in North Grafton, Massachusetts. She is based in Denver, Colorado.

All blogs by Melissa Hoffman, M.S.

From Building Community to Changing Institutions: A New Partnership with Beantown Jewish Gardens

Melissa Hoffman, M.S. September 4, 2018

Starting in fall 2018, several Jewish institutions will develop food statements of intention (or policies) rooted in Jewish values including tzaar baalei chayim (consideration for animal welfare). Led by Beantown Jewish Gardens, the cohort program will provide members with tools to understand their current food purchasing, guidance on how to make meaningful improvements, a forum for discussing their processes and challenges, and a peer learning framework for ongoing support.

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Raising a New Generation of Jewish Animal Advocates

Melissa Hoffman, M.S. December 4, 2016

If you’re a Jewish parent, educator, or clergy person who’s shepherded more than one 11 or 12 year old through the bar/bat mitzvah preparation process, you’ve likely heard this answer when asking them what they’d like to focus on for their community service or mitzvah project: Animals.

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The Return of Heritage Kosher Chicken

Melissa Hoffman, M.S. November 17, 2016

While the gold standard in higher welfare—heritage poultry—is available to the non-kosher consumer, kosher heritage poultry has been unavailable for over 50 years. After months of hard work and collaboration JIFA is proud to be responsible for bringing kosher heritage chicken back to consumers in all lower 48 states!

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