Jeanette Longfield's degree in International Relations and a Masters in Development Studies led to work as a Policy Analyst at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations. After five years she moved onto campaigning at the Coronary Prevention Group. Four years on she became Co-ordinator of the National Food Alliance, alongside undertaking consultancy work for other health-related organisations.

As Sustain's Co-ordinator, Jeanette liaises with the Food Standards Agency, contributes to a number of food policy committees, and appears regularly in the media representing a public interest view on food policy issues. She was awarded an MBE for services to food policy in the 2007 New Year Honours.