JENIQUE JONES

As WhyHunger’s Executive Director, Jenique guides the strategic direction of the organization and ensures its policies, culture and practices best fulfill WhyHunger’s mission to end hunger and ensure everyone’s basic human right to nutritious food.

With a diverse background working in government and nonprofits, spanning the New York State Senate, the NYC Department of Education, and City Harvest, Jenique has been steadfast in her mission to improve the lives of marginalized and underserved populations and make a difference in the world.

Jenique comes to WhyHunger after 14 years serving as an integral part of the leadership of City Harvest—one of the largest food rescue organizations. As the Vice President of Program Operations and Policy, she oversaw the distribution of tens of millions of pounds of food to soup kitchens, food pantries, and community food programs throughout New York City. She also worked tirelessly with partners to increase access to fresh produce and promotes nutritious and budget-conscious meal choices for residents.

With steadfast commitment to making a meaningful impact, Jenique has responded to numerous emergency and disaster situations. Extending her role at City Harvest and as a member of Feeding America, she spearheaded the distribution of over 500 million pounds of food in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She also oversaw infrastructure projects to rebuild after Super Storm Sandy and supported food banks in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

Recognized as a strategic partner and trusted advisor, Jenique excels in defining strategies that align with WhyHunger’s vision and drive programmatic growth. Her keen analysis of operations, key projects, and performance metrics guides critical decision-making and steers organizational transformation. Her leadership qualities shine through in her people-centered approach.

A native New Yorker, Jenique lives in Brooklyn, NY with her wife Kayla.