In April, during Feeding America's annual conference in Atlanta, Dan Flowers, the president and CEO of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, was bestowed with the 2025 John van Hengel Fellowship. With nearly three decades devoted to food banking, Flowers has significantly impacted hunger relief through his leadership and innovations. Recognized for fostering strong community ties and implementing advancements such as online ordering systems, Flowers continues to play a pivotal role in expanding food access. His career journey began as an agency relations coordinator, eventually leading him to helm the Akron-Canton food bank for over two decades.
Trailblazing Leadership in Hunger Relief
During the sunlit days of spring in Atlanta, Georgia, a remarkable figure in the realm of hunger relief was honored. Dan Flowers, a long-standing advocate for food security, received the esteemed John van Hengel Fellowship Award. This award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to combating hunger throughout their careers. Over the years, Flowers has not only strengthened relationships with various stakeholders but also championed technological advancements like online ordering that streamline food distribution processes. As part of his legacy, he served as chair of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks Board and held numerous leadership roles within the national Feeding America network.
The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank itself did not go unnoticed, receiving accolades for its collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing community outreach. The organization launched Rise Academy, offering professional development opportunities to leaders from agencies spanning its eight-county service region. Through this initiative, the food bank supports over 630 programs providing emergency food assistance across several counties including Carroll, Holmes, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas, and Wayne.
What distinguishes this fellowship is its historical roots, honoring John van Hengel, credited as the founder of the world’s first food bank. Established in 2002, it symbolizes lifelong achievements in the battle against hunger.
Flowers will grace the stage at the 2026 Feeding America conference, addressing an anticipated audience of 700 food bank professionals.
This recognition underscores Flowers' commitment to servant leadership, inspiring others to adopt inclusive approaches in tackling food insecurity.
From a journalist's perspective, Dan Flowers' story exemplifies how one individual can catalyze widespread change by fostering collaboration and leveraging innovation. His humility and dedication remind us all of the profound impact achievable when passion meets purpose. It inspires hope that through collective action, we can indeed move closer to eradicating hunger in our communities.