Empty Plates - by Dave Krepcho & Claire Strom (Hardcover)

About the Book

The history of the hunger relief movement has never been documented and holds many important lessons and learning.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"Meeting Dave Krepcho a few years ago during a visit to Orlando's Second Harvest Food Bank, I was immediately impressed with his leadership and dedication to feeding the hungry. As I came to know him better, I was enraptured by his innovative approach to the challenges of hunger relief and his storytelling ability. This is a seminal work on the national food bank story, and it's something all Americans should read...as it will help us all to contribute."

Mark Hertling, Lieutenant General (retired)

"As a pastor in Central Florida, I watched Dave Krepcho's remarkable leadership bring a good part of our state together to serve those with empty plates. Food is about more than physical nutrition; it is about people's stories - both those in need and those who want to help. This book not only educates and fascinates us, it expands our understanding, our hearts, and our desire for partnership."

Dr. Joel C. Hunter, Pastor of Community Benefit, Action Church

"Empty Plates by Dave Krepcho pays attention to the periphery of Food Banking as only he can. He has spent 34 years of his life understanding Food Banking through authentic empathy, genuine compassion, and creative leadership."

Stanley S. Gryskiewicz, Ph.D., A member of the founding staff of the Center for Creative Leadership (1970) and the founder of the Association of Managers of Innovation in 1980.

"Dave Krepcho reminds us that millions of people in the United States are hungry. Then, he demonstrates what can be done to design hunger out and abundance in. His work evidences that empty plates can be filled with nutritious food and offered up with love. He lights a path to possibility in times that can feel dark and offers real solutions to a moral imperative. He has done the deed. His words resonate. And the leadership lesson is clear-we can and must address inequity as part of our leadership practice."

Mary McBride, Chair, Creative Enterprise Leadership Development, Pratt

"Dave Krepcho & Claire Strom did something that all of us who worked in food banking hoped one day would be done. To capture the history of hunger relief in America and the evolution of food banking from its very beginning. It tells the story of how a small

group of courageous social entrepreneurs built a movement that would change an industry and communities all over America and eventually the world."

Bill Bolling, Founder, Atlanta Community Food Bank (retired), Food Well Alliance, and Atlanta Regional Housing Forum

"This book is a "Must Read" for anyone who wants to fully understand the American food system and the powerful role that food banks have played in making certain that people experiencing hunger are not forgotten among that system's priorities. Kudos for memorializing the history and the now of this great network."

Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO, Feeding America

"The book is filled with nuggets of insight for leaders. As Krepcho models what it looks like to be a reflective practitioner, he demonstrates through stories and examples how leadership m