Joel Berg is more than just our CEO; he is a nationally recognized leader and a powerful media spokesman in the fields of domestic hunger, food security, obesity, poverty, and food-related economic development. His expertise and passionate advocacy have made him a sought-after keynote speaker, delivering hundreds of speeches in more than 37 states and five countries. One attendee brilliantly captured Joel’s dynamic presence, saying, “Seeing Joel Berg speak in person is like watching the History Channel, C-Span, and Comedy Central all at once.”

An Accomplished Author

Joel is the author of "All You Can Eat: How Hungry Is America?" – the definitive book on American hunger, praised for its insightful analysis and engaging style. His second book, “America, We Need to Talk: A Self-Help Book for the Nation,” has been lauded by Nobel Prize-winner Toni Morrison as “important and entertaining.”

Media Presence and Advocacy

Joel's voice has been featured on major national and international media platforms, including The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Hardball with Chris Matthews, MSNBC and CNN. His insights have appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, and The Guardian, among others, making him a key figure in the conversation on hunger and poverty worldwide.

Transforming Hunger Free America

Since joining Hunger Free America in 2001, Joel has transformed the organization from the New York City Coalition Against Hunger into a national champion for food security. Under his leadership, Hunger Free America has built a nonpartisan grassroots movement to enact policies that address the root causes of hunger, advocating for higher wages, more living-wage jobs, and a stronger nutrition safety net.

Innovative Programs and Initiatives

Joel’s visionary approach has led to the establishment of AmeriCorps VISTA national service projects in 29 states and the USDA National Hunger Hotline, which connects individuals with essential food resources. His commitment to skilled volunteerism has resulted in a nationwide volunteer matching website, enabling volunteers to use their unique skills to support local food programs.

A Distinguished Career

Before leading Hunger Free America, Joel served in the Clinton Administration in senior executive roles at USDA, where he spearheaded initiatives to fight hunger and improve food security. He also worked as a policy analyst for the Progressive Policy Institute and served on President-elect Bill Clinton’s transition team.

Honors and Accolades

Joel’s contributions have been widely recognized. He is a past recipient of the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s Honor Award for Superior Service and the Congressional Hunger Center’s Mickey Leland National Hunger Fighter Award. He continues to serve on advisory committees, including Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and the New York State Hunger and Food Policy Task Force.

A Heartfelt Thank You

As we celebrate Joel’s 23rd anniversary with Hunger Free America, we extend our deepest gratitude for his tireless work and enduring commitment to ending hunger. Joel’s leadership has not only transformed our organization but has also brought hope and support to countless Americans struggling to obtain nutritious food.

Please join us in congratulating Joel on this incredible milestone and in continuing the fight to make hunger a thing of the past.

With Appreciation,

The Hunger Free America Team