John & Karen Elliott

Karen and I have focused our charitable giving not only on food security, but the interconnected challenges of poverty, educational achievement, underemployment, physical and mental health, transportation and access for many years. My perspective, first as a Kroger executive leading support of thousands of charities in reinforcing ways, and then as a food bank leader, is very consistent with what Karen has experienced over many years as a guidance counselor in elementary, middle and high schools.

Despite Gleaners’ impressive growth in hunger relief capacity, meals distributed, quality of food and other neighbor-centric measures, Karen and I know that food security and nutrition security for every neighbor will not happen in our lifetimes. This is a multi-generational opportunity. Gleaners will continue to reduce the lines over time, but we feel a sense of urgency to support and sustain that progress well into the future. I hope you will join us in making a planned gift to Gleaners.