Empty Plates: The Evolution of Hunger Relief, Until All Are Fed

The history of the hunger relief movement has never been documented and holds many important lessons and learning. The book will examine how food has played a critical role in society over the centuries. In particular, a detailed look will be provided on America's hunger relief efforts and Feeding America's 40-plus-year history. In addition, the wisdom and practices of many leaders over that period offer great value to all readers, even outside the hunger relief movement. Everyone deserves access to healthy food; it's a fundamental need. The meal gap continues to grow, with 38 million people deemed food insecure or otherwise hungry.

In addition to history, included in the book is the breaking of stereotypes of who needs help and why. This book will shine a light on our neighbors seeking and receiving support. They often look like you and me.

Different voices from across the country are shared within this book, offering important history valuable perspectives, and wisdom. One hundred interviews were conducted, ranging from people in higher education, our neighbors in need, volunteers, food bankers, elected officials, the military, healthcare, food and financial donors, and many more. The way forward is as much as remembering what has come before as it is an invitation to a new path. Sharing this knowledge will inspire and create change for the better and engage more people to make a difference.

Dave Krepcho dedicated 34 years to nonprofit sector leadership, led and worked with teams to distribute over one billion meals, generated hundreds of millions of dollars for hunger relief, engaged thousands of volunteers, and created innovative programs and social entrepreneurial initiatives. Dave has served on dozens of local, state, national, and international boards. He has chaired various national task forces, won numerous awards, and testified to Congress on hunger relief. In addition, Dave coaches small nonprofit organizations with the goal of greater mission impact. He believes that food is a fundamental human right and that no one should go hungry, especially in one of the world's wealthiest countries. Dave lives in Florida with his wife Lois, family, and Quinn, a very protective schnauzer. davekrepcho.com krepcho@gmail.com

Claire Strom is the Rapetti-Trunzo Chair of History at Rollins College. She has published widely on global, national, and local history. For this project, she drew on her expertise in agricultural history, including nearly two decades as editor of the journal of note in the field, Agricultural History.