Hunger-Free Pennsylvania, the state’s largest nonprofit provider of food resources for hungry families and the single largest provider of meals to older Pennsylvanians, has announced Stuart I.R. Haniff as its new executive director. Haniff, a nationally recognized anti-hunger advocate, brings more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, administration, and healthcare management. He succeeds Sheila Christopher, who retired on June 30 after leading the organization for 40 years.
Haniff’s extensive background in the food bank sector includes serving as Chief Development Officer and Vice President of Philanthropy for two of the largest food banks in South Florida. Prior to that, he served as Chief Executive Officer of The Food Bank of The Rio Grande Valley in Texas, where he guided the organization through challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Hanna, and a severe winter freeze. His commitment to fighting hunger began in 2015 when he was Chief Philanthropy Officer for Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino in California.
“My goal is to do more than simply feed people,” said Haniff. “Hunger is big, but the compassion, commitment, and contributions of our community are bigger. I believe it’s our responsibility to help our vulnerable neighbors who face the anxiety and uncertainty of not knowing where their next meal is coming from.”
Haniff has a strong record of advocacy and community engagement, having completed Feeding America’s Advocacy Academy and lobbying on Capitol Hill for child hunger and food insecurity. He also served as an ambassador for Feeding America’s National Hunger Action Month Committee. His experience extends beyond food banks, including leadership roles at organizations like The United Way and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Haniff’s passion for social justice is evident in his commitment to promoting health and wellness, combating poverty, and supporting artistic initiatives. He brings over 15 years of experience in policy improvement and service delivery for vulnerable populations. His expertise includes resource development, capacity building, strategic planning, governance, capital campaigns, organizational development, program delivery, and operations.
“It’s impossible to describe what Sheila has meant to Hunger-Free Pennsylvania,” said Jennifer Brillhart, board chair and President & CEO of the York County Food Bank. “She has dedicated her whole life to this organization and the individuals and families we serve. We’ll miss her but wish her all the joy and happiness she deserves. With Stuart taking the reins, we won’t miss a beat. His background and experience make him the perfect fit to lead Hunger-Free Pennsylvania and write the next chapter for our organization. We’re so fortunate to have him join our team and so excited about the skills and talents he brings to help us advance our mission of serving those who need it most.”
“It is such an honor to pass the baton to someone of Stuart’s caliber,” said Christopher. “The organization is lucky to have him, and Pennsylvania is better for it. He has what it takes in terms of skills, compassion, and drive not only to keep up the fight against hunger, but also to address the underlying policy issues that perpetuate food insecurity. I wish him all the best.”
Christopher has been a vital figure in Hunger-Free Pennsylvania’s history, playing a pivotal role in its launch in 1983 during a national recession. Her leadership has been recognized both statewide and nationally, and Hunger-Free Pennsylvania has received numerous awards under her guidance. She has been a champion for low-income and homebound seniors, earning recognition from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She spearheaded an innovative partnership with DoorDash to deliver healthy meals to homebound seniors, significantly increasing the number of food boxes delivered each month.
Hunger-Free Pennsylvania’s statewide network of 18 food banks serves all 67 counties in the state. For more information, visit www.HungerFreePA.org.
