Black History Month Spotlight: Building a Hunger-Free Future with Feeding America
This Black History Month, we celebrate Black leaders and Black-led organizations making an impact in our communities. Read remarks from Ami L. McReynolds, Chief Equity Officer at Feeding America, a long-time Ford Philanthropy partner dedicated to expanding access to fresh food. For 14 years, Ami has shaped strategy, built partnerships, and led initiatives to create a more inclusive and hunger-free future.
Q: What first sparked your passion for tackling food security, and what pivotal experiences led you to your role at Feeding America?
A: My passion for food security comes from seeing how access to nutritious food can shape a person's ability to thrive. Growing up in Gary, Indiana, I saw firsthand how food insecurity quietly impacts families. As a teen assisting my mom in her classroom, I noticed two students who never missed a school meal—knowing those meals might be their only ones for the day. This reality was a wake-up call and fueled my commitment to ensuring no one has to choose between food and other basic needs. At Feeding America, I'm grateful to work with communities, policymakers, and partners to drive real change and create a future where food access isn't a privilege, but a right.
Q: As we celebrate Black History Month, what does this moment mean to you personally and professionally?
A: Black History Month is a powerful time for both reflection and action. It's a time to honor the strength, brilliance, and impact of Black leaders, past and present—many of whom have paved the way for the work I do today. It's about building a way forward. People with varied backgrounds, identities, and experiences face disproportionate barriers to essential resources, including access to nutritious food. At Feeding America, we are committed to not just addressing food insecurity but also uplifting the voices of all our neighbors and ensuring they are at the forefront of shaping solutions.
Q: Feeding America plays a critical role in advancing equity in food access. Can you share how your organization is working to drive meaningful, lasting change? What statistics are you working to address?
A: Everyone deserves fair access to the food and resources they say they desire and need to thrive, regardless of background, demographics, location and/or disability. Yet in 2023, 1 in 7 individuals and 1 in 5 children experienced food insecurity, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
By intentionally focusing on people facing hunger, we work together to create solutions that help everyone thrive. Feeding America is working to do this by increasing access to federal nutrition programs, supporting partner food banks as they collaborate directly with local communities to address barriers and investing in long-term solutions that address the root causes of hunger so everyone can thrive.
Q: Ford employees and the broader community want to support your work – what are the most impactful ways they can support your mission?
A: A movement to end hunger is underway in this country, and all of us need to work together. Your voice and time matter! Communities can advocate for policy change, volunteer at local food banks and pantries, donate resources, and raise awareness by sharing information about food insecurity and inspiring others to act. By standing shoulder-to-shoulder with neighbors facing hunger and uniting our efforts, we can build a food secure future for all. Learn more through our website.
-
Related story
