About Us

Since 2018, the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation has directed more than $48 million to organizations, innovators and changemakers across the country to address a fundamental absurdity in our food system: 35% of food produced in the U.S. is thrown away, yet 42 million Americans struggle with hunger.

Through innovation, collaboration and community engagement, we’re committed to our mission of creating communities free of hunger and waste.

Our Board of Directors

Denise Osterhues
Denise Osterhues

President & Director

Keith Dailey
Keith Dailey

Vice President & Director

Patty Leesemann
Patty Leesemann

Interim Treasurer & Executive Director

Milen Mahadevan
Milen Mahadevan

Secretary & Director

Emily Hartmann
Emily Hartmann

Director

Juan De Paoli
Juan De Paoli

Director

Ryan Verbecken
Ryan Verbecken

Director

Lisa Zwack
Lisa Zwack

Director

Victor Smith
Victor Smith

Director

Our Partners

We currently partner with more than 300 national and local organizations, initiatives and innovators to improve food security and reduce waste.

Partner Spotlight: ReFED

ReFED is a strategic partner of the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation with a shared mission to reduce U.S. food waste. We are the anchor funder of the ReFED Insights Engine, which is the next generation of data and insights on the food waste landscape and offer guidance on policies and solutions.

Partner Spotlight: Feeding America

We support Feeding America’s network operations and programs, helping to direct more food to families in need in the communities we call home.

Partner Spotlight: No Kid Hungry

No Kid Hungry wants all children to have the healthy food they need every day to thrive. With the Foundation’s support, No Kid Hungry is providing funds, training and hands-on technical assistance to high-need schools, including schools in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.

Partner Spotlight: World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

Through WWF’s Wild Classroom Food Waste Warriors Toolkit, students learn about the connection between food production, food waste and conservation. With our funding, WWF analyzed food waste in 45 schools across nine cities in 2019.