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Erin Pratley PhD

Director of Programme Development and Operations, Mary’s Meals International 

Erin

Erin Pratley PhD is a Canadian academic, published researcher, and strong female leader who specialises in international development and food systems. With extensive experience in operational strategy, research, and policy development, she is a sought-after voice on global food security and the power of collaboration to drive interventions that result in lasting, generational change.

In her role as Director of Programme Development and Operations with Mary’s Meals, Erin oversees two teams: one that supports the delivery of the school feeding programmes, and another focused on global policy development, strategic planning, government relations, research and impact, and grant reporting.

Erin holds a PhD in Geography from the University of Western Ontario and has a wealth of professional experience, having worked in academia, not-for-profits, and government. She has also lectured on International Development at three Canadian Universities and university-based research institutes.

Erin is known for her ability to communicate complex information in an accessible and engaging manner. Her extensive knowledge is supported by participation in key international forums, such as the Global Child Nutrition Forum.

Speaking topics: 

Global child hunger; food insecurity; building resilient food systems; the role of school feeding in international development; collaboration for generational change; impact of climate change on poverty; the role of school feeding during early years and primary education; Mary’s Meals’ contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals; responding to emergency situations; school feeding in complex contexts; identifying areas of great need and ways to reach children most in need; the importance of robust operational strategies in non-profits; logistics of large-scale school feeding in remote areas; delivering school feeding through a low-cost model; community ownership; volunteer-led working

Speaking engagements/experience 

Catholic Register: Mary's Meals campaign targets African hunger | The Catholic Register

Publications:

  • There is an urgent need to address global child hunger and school meals could be the answer
  • Eating in the City: A Review of the Literature on Food Insecurity and Indigenous People Living in Urban Spaces
  • The spaces for farmers in the city: A case study comparison of Direct Selling Alternative Food Networks in Toronto, Canada and Belo Horizonte, Brazil
  • Innovative Student Nutrition Programs in Ontario: Identifying Case Study Examples
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