From VA to Food Bank: McDonough to Lead Feeding America's Hunger Fight

CHICAGO, IL – February 25, 2026 – Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, announced today that it has named Denis McDonough, the immediate past Secretary of Veterans Affairs and former White House Chief of Staff, as its next Chief Executive Officer. The appointment, effective April 14, signals a strategic move to bring a seasoned government operator with a track record of managing large-scale systems to the forefront of the fight against domestic hunger.

McDonough will succeed Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, who is transitioning from the role after nearly a decade of transformative leadership that saw the organization more than double its food distribution. His arrival comes at a critical juncture, as the organization and its vast network face rising food insecurity rates and a challenging federal policy landscape.

A Legacy of Large-Scale Public Service

McDonough brings to the non-profit world a career defined by high-stakes leadership within the federal government. As the 11th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, he oversaw a sprawling agency responsible for the well-being of millions of American veterans. His tenure was marked by the massive undertaking of implementing the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022, a landmark law that expanded healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances. Under his leadership, the VA successfully processed over one million PACT Act-related claims, a significant logistical and administrative achievement.

His focus on measurable results extended to other key areas, including a concerted effort to combat veteran homelessness, which resulted in placing nearly 48,000 veterans in permanent housing in a single fiscal year. Colleagues and observers noted his emphasis on a “veteran-centric” approach, aiming to build support systems around individuals rather than forcing them to navigate a rigid bureaucracy. This philosophy was coupled with a commitment to making the VA a more inclusive and welcoming institution for all veterans.

Before his cabinet position, McDonough served as White House Chief of Staff during President Barack Obama's second term, a role that placed him at the nexus of domestic and foreign policy implementation. His experience managing the executive branch and driving the administration's agenda across various departments provides him with a unique understanding of the levers of government—an asset that will be invaluable in Feeding America’s advocacy work.

A New Chapter for America's Largest Hunger-Relief Network

McDonough will take the helm of an organization of immense scale and complexity. Feeding America operates as the backbone of charitable food assistance in the U.S., supporting a network of over 250 food banks and 60,000 local agencies that together provided nearly 6 billion meals to 48 million people last year. The organization has earned top marks for its efficiency and transparency, holding a coveted four-star rating from Charity Navigator for ten consecutive years and directing 98% of its resources directly to its hunger-relief programs.

He inherits an organization that has been strategically focused on not just providing food, but providing nutritious food with dignity. Over half of all food distributed by the network is now fresh produce, protein, and dairy, a direct response to the stated needs of the communities it serves. Outgoing CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot's legacy includes not only a dramatic increase in food distribution, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also a deepened commitment to equity and centering the voices of those with lived experience of hunger.

"We are truly excited to welcome Denis to Feeding America," said Shawn O'Grady, the organization's board chair, in a statement. "He has spent his life serving this country at the highest levels of government... Denis understands that behind every statistic is a family, and we are honored to have him join our mission."

Applying Lessons in Dignity and Delivery

McDonough's appointment prompts an immediate question: how will lessons learned from serving veterans translate to serving families facing hunger? The common thread, emphasized in the announcement, is a focus on dignity and human-centered service. His experience at the VA, particularly in expanding benefits and improving access to care for long-overlooked populations, provides a potential blueprint for enhancing Feeding America’s own equity initiatives.

The challenge of ensuring veterans receive the benefits they have earned is analogous to the challenge of ensuring all families can access the nutrition they need to thrive. Both require navigating complex systems, breaking down barriers, and treating the individuals being served with respect. McDonough’s commitment to building a more inclusive VA could inform Feeding America's ongoing efforts to address the disproportionate rates of food insecurity among communities of color and in rural areas.

As CEO, he will be tasked with stewarding donor contributions and strengthening partnerships across the public and private sectors. His background suggests a leader comfortable with data-driven strategies and accountability, aligning with his stated commitment to being a strong steward of donor generosity and ensuring contributions are used effectively for lasting change.

Navigating a Shifting Policy Landscape

McDonough's expertise in navigating Washington D.C. will be tested immediately. The policy environment surrounding food security has become increasingly fraught. Recent USDA data revealed that nearly 48 million people live in food-insecure households, with rates remaining stubbornly high and disproportionately affecting households with children, single mothers, and Black and Latinx families.

This persistent need is colliding with significant legislative headwinds. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025” enacted substantial cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and expanded strict work requirements for recipients, a move projected to impact over a million low-income individuals. These changes create a more challenging landscape for the very people Feeding America serves. Compounding this issue is the USDA's controversial decision to discontinue its annual Household Food Security report, eliminating a critical tool for measuring hunger and evaluating policy effectiveness precisely when it is most needed.

In this context, McDonough’s reputation for bridging partisan divides and his deep understanding of the legislative process will be critical assets. His role will extend beyond organizational management to that of a chief advocate, working to protect and strengthen the federal nutrition programs that form the first line of defense against hunger.

"It's a profound honor to continue serving the American people in this new role," McDonough stated. "I'm eager to listen, to learn from this extraordinary network, and to work with those neighbors and partners across the country as we drive toward a future where every family has the nutritious food they deserve to thrive." His transition from public servant to non-profit leader represents a powerful convergence of experience, mission, and urgency in the ongoing effort to build a food-secure America.