Gloria McAdam with Linda J. Kelly [Photo: Jeffrey Sobiech]

New permanent endowment fund honors the work of Foodshare CEO Gloria McAdam

For 25 years, Gloria McAdam has worked both to feed hungry people and to end hunger in this region.  As president and CEO of Foodshare – Greater Hartford's regional food bank – Gloria is a well-known voice for those who struggle to feed themselves and their families.

Now, thanks to the generosity of friends and fellow workers, her work will continue in perpetuity through the Gloria J. McAdam Fund for Foodshare, a permanent endowment fund established at the Hartford Foundation.

The fund, announced at Foodshare's annual meeting in March, honors McAdam for 25 years of extraordinary commitment, leadership and service.  As of April 7, donations totaled $19,225 from 140 people in 36 Connecticut towns and four other states.  The agency will receive an annual grant from the fund to carry on its mission.

Foodshare distributes 15 tons of food each day to a network of nearly 400 nonprofits that feed 100,000 people.  The agency works with companies to secure donations of good food that would otherwise go to waste.  Last year alone, Foodshare distributed 11 million pounds of food, with a wholesale value of about $20 million.  This is more than 100 times as much food as was distributed in 1984 when McAdam came to Foodshare.

Rolling up their sleeves to deliver food in Manchester are (l-r): William J. McGurk, president and CEO of Rockville Bank; Paul Moreau, Foodshare driver; and Gloria McAdam, Foodshare president and CEO. [Photo: Laura Soll Public Relations, LLC]

McAdam has directed Foodshare's involvement in education and outreach efforts, advocacy on behalf of our hungry neighbors, and the acquisition of a permanent food distribution center in Bloomfield.

During McAdam's tenure, Foodshare has been recognized not only in the local community, but nationally as well, receiving nine "Hunger's Hope" awards from Feeding America, the country's largest charitable food program.  These awards have recognized innovative programming and fundraising efforts.

"I was so honored and touched to learn of the plans for this permanent fund," Gloria said.  "It means more to me than any other gift the organization could possibly have given, knowing that there will be an ongoing source of support for Foodshare's work to end hunger.  I look forward to the day when we achieve that mission, but know that it won't happen soon.  So I am thrilled with the establishment of this fund and thank everyone who has contributed."

For more information about Foodshare, visit www.foodshare.org.