#USA #Chicago #Feeding America #hunger relief #Denis McDonough

Feeding America Welcomes Denis McDonough as New CEO

On February 25, 2026, the Feeding America Board of Directors revealed that Denis McDonough, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective April 14. This leadership appointment is anticipated to usher in a new era for the organization, known for its extensive work in combating hunger across the nation.

A Lifelong Commitment to Public Service

Denis McDonough has dedicated much of his professional life to public service, with a focus on large-scale systemic changes that yield measurable benefits for the American people. His illustrious career spans various high-profile positions, including a significant tenure at the White House under President Obama, where his guiding principle was a deep respect for the inherent dignity of all individuals.

Throughout his career, he has displayed an unwavering commitment to addressing the needs of various communities, aligning perfectly with Feeding America's mission. McDonough believes that serving is not just a position but a critical obligation to uphold.

Feeding America’s Impact and Reach

Feeding America stands as the largest hunger-relief network in the United States, serving around 48 million people struggling with food insecurity. The organization operates through a vast network comprising over 250 food banks and an extensive partnership with more than 60,000 community organizations. Last year alone, Feeding America was instrumental in providing nearly 6 billion meals, with a significant emphasis on fresh produce, protein, and dairy—food types that are crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Denis McDonough has expressed his commitment to bolstering these efforts by ensuring that communities have access to nutritious food, reinforcing the idea that every family deserves dignity when accessing food resources. His extensive public service experience positions him well to connect with those confronted by hunger and to support the Feeding America network’s initiatives.

A Vision for the Future

Shawn O'Grady, the chair of Feeding America's Board, conveyed excitement about McDonough's appointment, praising his integrity, commitment, and past achievements in public service. O'Grady highlighted McDonough's recognition of the human element behind the statistics — that behind every number lies a family facing real challenges. This perspective aligns seamlessly with the ethos of Feeding America.

As the new CEO, McDonough aims to reinforce the organization’s dedication to fighting hunger and enhancing collaboration across various sectors, including corporate partners and community non-profits. His leadership principles will emphasize fiscal responsibility and stewardship of donor contributions, ensuring they are utilized effectively to create lasting change.

In his words, "It's a profound honor to continue serving the American people in this new role. I am eager to learn and collaborate with this remarkable network, striving toward a future where every family has access to nutritious food."

Bridging Experiences for Lasting Change

McDonough's tenure as Secretary of Veterans Affairs saw him championing multiple initiatives that improved care and services for veterans, particularly those marginalized by previous systems. His objective was always to honor the commitment made to veterans and their families with respect and urgency.

This background uniquely positions McDonough to tackle food insecurity in America, resembling the challenges veterans face and the systemic reform needed to address them. He aims to employ a similar approach to enhance Feeding America's mission, empowering communities and encouraging collective efforts to bring about significant changes in food security.

McDonough succeeds Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, who has led transformative changes in the organization for nearly a decade. Under her leadership, Feeding America has grown immensely, setting high standards for hunger relief across the country.

Conclusion

The leadership of Denis McDonough brings hope and dynamism to Feeding America, a moment that is welcomed by many. As he steps into this notable role, the expectation is that he will channel his experience, passion, and commitment to drive real, lasting impact in the fight against hunger. With his vision, expertise, and the organization's established network, there is optimism that Feeding America will continue to thrive in its mission to eradicate food insecurity in the nation.