About Us

Since 2018, the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation has directed more than $66 million to organizations, innovators and changemakers across the country to address a fundamental absurdity in our food system: 38% of all food in the U.S. is unsold or uneaten,1 yet 34 million Americans struggle with hunger.2

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

1Refed.org: Food Waste in America
2Feeding America: Hunger in America

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

Juan De Paoli
Juan De Paoli

Director

Ryan Verbecken
Ryan Verbecken

Director

Lisa Zwack
Lisa Zwack

Director

Victor Smith
Victor Smith

Director

Impact Champions

We currently collaborate with national and local non-profit organizations, initiatives and innovators to improve food security and reduce waste.

Champion 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.

Champion 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 test and expand its School-Based Health Centers model.

Champion Spotlight: World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has been a strategic collaborator in our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste journey for many years. The foundation recently directed two grants to WWF to support their work on regenerative agriculture systems and protecting native grasslands.

Champion Spotlight: The Farmlink Project

The Farmlink Project connects surplus produce to communities in need, reduces carbon emissions, and empowers the next generation of young changemakers. Farmlink serves as a “link” connecting the broken supply chains of the agricultural and food access industries.