Community Food Systems Mentor Profile: Angel Mendez
The Community Food Systems Mentorship Program offers Network members the opportunity to work directly with a food systems expert to support their growth, learn best practices, and connect with seasoned food movement leaders.
Angel Mendez
Executive Director, Red Tomato
Angel Mendez is a veteran food systems leader with more than 25 years at Red Tomato (Food hub based in Providence, RI, formerly Mass-based until 2020), where he now serves as Executive Director. Throughout his tenure, Angel has helped shape the organization into a nationally respected force for equitable, farmer?centered supply chains. His leadership blends strategic vision with deep operational expertise, driving innovation across logistics, market development, and value?chain partnerships.
Beyond Red Tomato, Angel plays an active role in strengthening the broader food systems field. He serves as a mentor with the Food Systems Leadership Network, sits on the Executive Committee of The Growing Justice Fund, is a member of the Rhode Island Food Policy Council, and serves on the board of Farm Fresh Rhode Island. Across these roles, he champions collaborative approaches that uplift farmers, advance racial and economic justice, and build resilient regional food economies.
Recognized throughout the Northeast and nationally, Angel is known for his commitment to sustainable and equitable food systems, his ability to translate complex challenges into practical solutions, and his steady, values?driven leadership. His professional expertise spans strategic planning, operations management, IT and systems management, logistics and supply?chain design, financial management, consulting, and organizational mentoring.
Areas of Expertise
Seeking to Mentor
BIPOC growers, organizers, and food systems practitioners – People who are navigating inequitable systems, gatekeeping, and under-resourced environments – and who benefit from a mentor who understands both the structural challenges and the emotional landscape of this work.Â
Emerging non-profit and cooperative leaders – Individuals stepping into management or director-level roles who need guidance on strategic planning, operations, financial management, and building healthy, values-aligned teams.
Food Systems entrepreneurs and value-chain innovators – Farmers, aggregators, and mission-driven businesses trying to build or stabilize supply chains, especially those working in regional, sustainable, or justice-oriented markets.
Leaders navigating cross-sector partnerships – People who are building collaborations across farms, distributors, institutions, and community organizations, and who need support balancing relationships, accountability, and shared power.
BIPOC leaders seeking a mentor who leads with emotional intelligence – Individuals who need not just technical guidance, but a grounded, empathetic mentor who understands the lived realities of navigating predominantly white institutions and networks.
Systems thinkers who need help turning vision into operational reality – People with big ideas who struggle with implementation – and who benefit from your ability to translate complexity into clear, actionable systems.
Hey Angel,
I was wondering when you are going to send a sign-up for the FSLN mentorship program? FF would love to be included!