New York (April 5, 2021) — Noreen Springstead, executive director of WhyHunger, was dubbed as one of Crain’s New York Business’ Notable in Nonprofits and Philanthropy for 2021. The prestigious list honors the most accomplished leaders in the greater New York area, selected for their exemplary professional contributions in the philanthropic space.
Springstead started working at WhyHunger 30 years ago, quickly working her way up to become its executive director. Under her direction, the organization has diversified and doubled its budget and impact, and has remained a leading anti-hunger organization, driving transformative action to support grassroots movements and fuel community solutions rooted in social, environmental, racial and economic justice. In 2020, WhyHunger raised millions to support programmatic work, including $689,808 funding 50 grants to social movement organizations in 25 countries; $628,223 for its Rapid Response Fund to provide emergency support for COVID, centering BIPOC-led organizations; over $1 million during Hungerthon, its annual holiday fundraiser and awareness drive; and $7 million in collaboration with the NAACP Legal Defense & Education Fund, Inc. (LDF) and SixDegrees.org during the CBS TV Special “PLAY ON.” Responding to the growing hunger crisis, WhyHunger connected 1 million food insecure individuals throughout the U.S. to local free meal sites through its WhyHunger Hotline and Find Food tools.
“I am honored to be recognized among my peers, who are incredible visionaries striving to make the world a better place. This past year has brought upon unprecedented challenges, exemplifying the critical role nonprofit organizations play when it comes to supporting the needs, voices and work of communities most impacted by hunger, racism and social injustice. I hope we can continue to serve as an inspiration to other organizations and decision makers as we strike at the root causes of hunger and food insecurity, ensure the basic human right to nutritious food, and build social justice for all,” said Springstead.
Springstead is a graduate of Rutgers University and has a BA in Political Science. A lifelong leader and learner, Noreen completed the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Course Leadership, Organizing and Action and a course at the University of Notre Dame Non-Profit Business Excellence Continuing Education Program. In addition to her work at WhyHunger, Springstead volunteers at her local foodbank in New Jersey, Center for Food Action.
“Noreen’s drive and passion are unparalleled. In one of the most challenging years for those facing food insecurity, Noreen was able to lead WhyHunger to new heights, meeting immediate needs in communities across the globe, ensuring the safety and health of her staff and raising record funds to fuel the organization’s work. Not only a trailblazer and a tremendous asset to our organization, Noreen is one of the most compassionate and genuine people I know. We are thrilled she is being honored for her amazing work to combat hunger worldwide,” said Alysia Steinmann, Partner at EY and Treasurer of WhyHunger’s Board of Directors.
For more information about the award, please visit: https://www.crainsnewyork.com/awards/notable-non-profit-and-philanthropy-2021-noreen-springstead.
