Innovation Meets Compassion: The Future of Food Pantries

Drew Moran, Chief Development Officer at Nourishing Hope, joins our cohosts,Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor, for a conversation that blends visionary thinking with practical strategies. From the moment the discussion begins, you’ll see that this is more than a typical food pantry story. Drew’s journey—from volunteer manager to a leader at a $20 million organization—illustrates how a commitment to innovation and compassion can drive exponential growth. You will be energized by the candid dialogue on marrying development and technology to better serve communities in need.

At the heart of the conversation is the imperative for nonprofits to invest in smart technology. Drew provides data, making a clear point: digital tools are not a luxury but a necessity for modern service delivery. By integrating a CRM, electronic medical records, and online ordering, Nourishing Hope streamlines operations, attracts forward‑thinking funders, and reduces barriers, all while honoring the dignity of the clients it serves.

Nourishing Hope, formerly Lakeview Pantry, has transformed over its 55‑year history, leveraging technology to expand its reach beyond Chicago’s north side. Under Drew’s leadership, the pantry launched the city’s first online market in 2019 and recently celebrated its 100,000th service. Combined with free mental healthcare and social services for over 55,000 individuals, the organization delivers more than 200,000 distinct services each year. This wrap‑around approach ensures every person who walks through its doors receives not just a meal, but respect and the tools needed to thrive.

Sherry and Julia spotlight the importance of a values‑aligned team and trust‑based philanthropy in driving impact. Drew emphasizes that fostering a culture of flexibility and abundance enables volunteers, staff, and donors to become co‑creators of change. From recruiting 7,000 annual volunteers to partnering with visionary foundations, the organization’s success hinges on building authentic relationships. This fast paced episode offers an actionable blueprint for nonprofit leaders seeking to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset—one that invites risk, prioritizes client experience, and leverages strategic partnerships to achieve sustainable growth.

Whether your mission is feeding families, providing mental health support, or reimagining service delivery in your community, this episode delivers the inspiration and insights needed to turn bold ideas into reality.

00:00:00 Welcome and introduction  

00:02:17 What is Nourishing Hope? Growth & mission  

00:04:09 Bringing dignity through wrap‑around services  

00:07:04 Why tech investments are essential  

00:10:59 Meeting clients digitally & preserving privacy  

00:14:15 Imagination as a fundraising advantage  

00:17:09 Cultivating a flexible, values‑driven team  

00:21:38 Tracking impact: metrics & storytelling  

00:26:28 Shifting narratives in trust‑based philanthropy  

 #TechForGood #DignityInService #NonprofitInnovation

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