Texas Food Banker, Jan Pruitt, Named Chair Of Feeding America National Board

CHICAGO, Feb. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Feeding America announced today that Jan Pruitt, President and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank in Dallas, has been elected to be Chair of the Feeding America National Board of Directors. She replaces outgoing chairman, David Brearton, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Mondelez International. Pruitt's term will run for one year, but can be renewed.

"Fighting to end hunger in our country is an important cause and it has been an honor to be a part of the Feeding America mission," outgoing Chairman Brearton said. "Jan and I have worked together on the Board for a number of years and I am confident that her passion and dedication to the issue will only help further that mission and help bring awareness to the 49 million people who are struggling with hunger in our country."

Pruitt, who has been a member of the Feeding America Board of Directors since 2008, currently oversees the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB). She has lead the organization for nearly 20 years and has helped it to grow to one of the largest non-profits in the country. Last year, NTFB helped to provide 62 million nutritious meals to people in need in the Dallas area through a network of more than 260 partner agencies and 1,000 feeding locations.

She is also responsible for pioneering new fundraising approaches that have changed the food banking industry, including the Virtual Food Drive. She sees this new position as Board chair as an opportunity to further make an impact in the fight to end hunger.

"I am honored and humbled to become the Chairwoman of the premiere hunger relief agency fully engaged and committed to fighting hunger. Hunger in America is truly unacceptable. Children, families, seniors and the disabled shouldn't have to worry about when the next meal will come or where it will come from. I look forward to leading the people who will make these grim realities a thing of the past," said Pruitt.

The Feeding America Board of Directors is made up of a diverse group of men and women from both private corporations and non-profits. The group helps to set and guide Feeding America's strategic direction to help serve the mission of feeding people in the United States who are struggling with hunger.

"Jan is one of the most respected and dedicated food bankers in our Network and does an amazing job in helping feed the community in and around Dallas," said Bob Aiken, CEO of Feeding America. "I look forward to working closely with her and the rest of the Board to continue finding ways to help solve hunger and make sure that all of our neighbors have enough food to eat to live healthy, productive lives."

About Feeding America
Feeding America is a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 37 million people through 61,000 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in communities across America. Feeding America also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate.  Together we can solve hunger. Visit http://www.feedingamerica.org/. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.

Contact:
Ross Fraser
312.641.6422

SOURCE Feeding America