How Jenique Jones Of WhyHunger Is Helping To Address The Growing Challenge Of Food Insecurity

An Interview With Martita Mestey

Travel is an invaluable educator. Each trip has offered insights into different cultures, systems, and governance models, enriching my understanding of what’s possible and shaping my approach to work. Traveling has taught me that effective solutions often require thinking beyond local perspectives and considering global successes and failures.

In many parts of the United States, there is a crisis of people having limited reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. As prices rise, this problem will likely become more acute. How can this problem be solved? Who are the leaders helping to address this crisis?

In this interview series, we are talking to leaders who are helping to address the increasing problem of food insecurity who can share the initiatives they are leading to address and solve this problem.

As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Jenique Jones.

Jenique Jones, with her extensive experience in both government and nonprofit sectors, has dedicated her career to championing the needs of marginalized and underserved communities. Her roles have ranged from impactful work in the New York State Senate and New York City Department of Education to leading program operations at City Harvest, where she significantly advanced food justice initiatives. As the Executive Director of WhyHunger, Jenique continues upholding her commitment to marginalized communities by eradicating hunger and ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?

Born and raised in New York City, my upbringing was shaped by my maternal grandmother. We initially lived in the South Bronx, but due to the challenging conditions of the late 70s and early 80s, she moved us to a low-income co-op in Harlem. The crack epidemic soon swept through Harlem as well, reminding us of the hardships we had left. Despite those turbulent times, my grandmother was determined to provide me with the best education possible and expose me to a world beyond our neighborhood. These experiences opened my eyes to the inequities in our communities, leading me to ask questions about the causes of such disparities. This curiosity laid the foundation for me to dedicate my career to addressing and understanding these inequities, and eventually leading me to my role at WhyHunger.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

I’ve had numerous memorable moments, but two stories particularly resonate with me due to their profound impact on my professional journey and personal growth.

The first story is when I connected with a student who struggled with consistent school attendance. I took it upon myself to “adopt” her — regularly checking in, encouraging her talents, and affirming her worth. Over time, her attendance improved significantly. At her graduation, she shared that my involvement was crucial in her decision to complete her schooling. This experience highlighted the power of personal attention and mentorship in education.

The second story was with a nonprofit I previously worked for. During a high-profile event, a former boss of mine — who had served as the Governor of New York — was present. To my surprise, he singled me out, insisting on introducing me to the event’s leadership while lauding my capabilities and work ethic. He reminisced about my time as his intern and later, as a staff member, praising my contributions. Following his endorsements, I noticed a significant shift in how others perceived and interacted with me — colleagues who had previously overlooked me suddenly expressed interest in networking and socializing. This incident vividly illustrated a lesson my grandmother often emphasized: “It’s not just what you know, but who you know.” This has not only shaped my understanding of professional relationships but also reaffirmed the importance of visibility and advocacy in career advancement.

Are you able to identify a “tipping point” in your career when you started to see success? Did you start doing anything different? Are there takeaways or lessons that others can learn from that?

In 2015, I made a decision that marked a pivotal moment in my career: I started to advocate for myself. At the time, I was an Associate Director with an annual salary of around $80,000. I was regularly engaging with senior leadership, leading teams, and taking on responsibilities that far surpassed my official title and pay grade. My contributions were frequently highlighted as crucial to the organization, which made me reconsider my position and value.

I began to openly discuss my role, questioning how my critical contributions aligned with my salary and title. This shift in my approach led to significant changes. Within months, I received a promotion, followed by two more over the next five and a half years. By then, I was a Vice President with a salary exceeding $200,000.

This experience taught me the power of self-advocacy, especially as a Black individual and a woman. It’s essential to recognize and assert your worth, rather than waiting for others to acknowledge it. We see individuals in high positions not because they are the most qualified, but because they advocate for themselves with confidence. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to be perfect to advance; you just need to believe in your value and be willing to speak up for it.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person to whom you are grateful who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

I’ve been fortunate enough to have numerous mentors and supporters, but one who stands out is Woody Pascal. I met Woody at 16 while interning for a state senator, where he served as a senior staff member. Unlike typical intern assignments, Woody challenged me with substantive tasks. He had me directly assisting constituents, writing advocacy letters, and even communicating with government agencies on their behalf. It was an extraordinary responsibility for someone my age and it shaped my understanding of public service and advocacy.

A memory that I often reflect on is Woody’s influence during a meeting at Citibank, where he saw me working as a teller after my internship. He approached me and declared that I was wasting my talents in that role. That evening, he arranged for me to have an interview with the state senator who was recently elected as the senate minority leader. That moment changed my career trajectory putting me on a new path.

Three decades later, Woody remains my steadfast supporter and mentor. His belief in my potential and his readiness to advocate for me are invaluable. I am grateful for his guidance and the doors he has opened for me. His example has taught me the importance of mentorship, and it’s a legacy I strive to continue by supporting others in their career journeys.

You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

I don’t think it’s as simple as three traits. Candidly, a leader needs to use a toolbox of traits because people need tailored approaches. For me, the principle that guides my leadership is that the success of any leader or organization is based directly on the success of its people. Prioritizing your team above all else is essential, whether in a nonprofit or a for-profit setting. This means aligning staff with the mission of the nonprofit or placing people before products and profits in commercial ventures.

One of the fundamental practices I adhere to comes from Richard Branson: “Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.” This philosophy is a cornerstone of my approach. Investing in the development and well-being of our team creates an environment where individuals are not only equipped to excel but are genuinely motivated to stay and contribute to our collective goals. This commitment to nurturing and valuing staff ensures that everyone thrives, driving the overall success of the organization.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

My life was shaped by the wisdom of my two grandmothers, who each provided a different philosophy. One grandmother emphasized the power of education and exposure, often saying, “They can take a lot from you, but they can’t take your knowledge.” This made me curious and urged me to always seek new knowledge and ask questions.

My other grandmother taught me the importance of relationships — “It’s not what you know but who you know.” She explained how many decisions are made and opportunities are found through knowledge and relationships, often formed in social settings, such as having drinks or playing a game of golf.

These pillars have guided my entire career. I consistently strive to expand my knowledge and skills while also building a robust network. As a Black woman in leadership, navigating spaces where I might not automatically be seen as ‘familiar’ is crucial. My ability to connect over sports, discuss various genres of music, and chat about diverse movies and TV shows allows me to bridge gaps and foster relationships that might have been challenging to develop. This approach has opened doors and made it possible for me to advocate for myself and others in environments where familiarity leads to opportunity.

Can you share something about your work that makes you most proud? Is there a particular story or incident that you found most uplifting?

At WhyHunger, our mission is to address the pressing challenge of food insecurity by empowering communities and initiating change at the grassroots and policy levels. Our work is multifaceted, involving support for sustainable agriculture practices, advocating for equitable food policies, and partnering with local organizations to enhance their capacity to serve their communities effectively.

I am proud to see the direct impact our initiatives have on individuals. A particularly memorable moment for me was during my earlier career in education, before joining WhyHunger. I developed programming designed to support and engage students, but it was personal connections that often made the most difference. One student told me that my support and presence were key reasons she stayed in school and graduated. Knowing that caring and being present could impact her life reinforced my commitment to this work. It’s a clear reminder that behind every statistic on food insecurity or educational outcomes, there are real people with real stories of struggle and resilience. This experience has influenced how I approach my work at WhyHunger — seeking to always strive to cultivate meaningful, personal connections that empower and uplift.

In your opinion, what should other business and civic leaders do to further address these problems? Can you please share a few things that can be done to further address the problem of food insecurity?

To address the complex issue of food insecurity, which is intertwined with economic disparities, business and civic leaders have crucial roles to play. Here are a few actionable strategies that can positively impact this pervasive problem:

Business leaders can begin by reassessing their compensation models. The growing wage gap between CEOs and their employees is stark, with the Economic Policy Institute noting that in 2021 the pay ratio was 399–1, a significant increase from the 20–1 ratio in 1965. Adjusting pay structures to ensure fair wages across the board is essential. Implementing a cap on the ratio between the earnings of top executives and average workers could help redistribute wealth more equitably within companies.

It’s critical to address the stagnation of the federal minimum wage, which has remained at $7.25 since 2009. Linking the minimum wage to inflation or company profits could ensure that wages reflect economic realities and growth, helping workers keep pace with the cost of living and reducing food insecurity.

Currently, eligibility for benefits like SNAP is based on the federal poverty rate, which does not account for the varying cost of living across different states. For instance, in NYC, while the federal poverty threshold for a single adult is $18,960, realistic estimates suggest a single adult actually needs at least $45,000 to meet basic needs. Adjusting benefits eligibility to reflect local cost of living could extend support to millions more who, despite full-time employment, struggle with food insecurity. This adjustment would make eligibility criteria more responsive to the actual needs of residents in different regions.

By adopting these strategies, business and civic leaders can play a transformative role in tackling food insecurity and fostering a more just and equitable society. These changes promote fairness and strengthen communities by ensuring all individuals have access to the basic necessities for a healthy life.

Are there other leaders or organizations who have done good work to address the challenge of food scarcity? Can you tell us what they have done? What specifically impresses you about their work? Perhaps we can reach out to them to include them in this series.

The Reverend Dr. William Barber is a remarkable leader in the battle against food scarcity and poverty. His work is inspirational. Particularly as a co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, which is an ally and collaborator of WhyHunger’s. Dr. Barber has reignited Martin Luther King Jr.’s mission by addressing the fundamental causes of poverty with a modern approach that intertwines issues of economic, racial, and environmental justice. His holistic understanding that food insecurity results not from a lack of food but from systemic inequalities is what sets him apart.

What impresses me most about Dr. Barber is his ability to bring diverse groups together around a common cause, advocating for systemic change that extends far beyond temporary relief. His leadership has brought attention to the interconnectedness of today’s social issues and mobilized significant grassroots action. His approach exemplifies how food security is involved with broader social justice issues, and that to tackle one, we must address them all.

Engaging with leaders like Dr. Barber could provide invaluable insights and strategies for anyone looking to make a significant impact in combating food insecurity. His work shows the power of integrated social activism.

If you had the power to influence legislation, are there laws that you would like to see introduced that might help you in your work?

If granted the power to influence legislation, I would advocate for comprehensive reforms to ensure corporate responsibility aligns with community well-being. It’s imperative to establish legislative guardrails that hold corporations accountable for their social impact, particularly as it relates to their contribution to poverty and food insecurity.

The difference between the profits of billion-dollar companies and the economic struggles of their employees who often qualify for public benefits due to low wages is a clear indicator of systemic imbalance. Legislation should create a more equitable distribution of wealth within corporations. Laws could cap the disparity in income between top executives and their median workers or mandate that a certain percentage of profits be reinvested into employee wages and community initiatives.

Such reforms would not only ensure corporations continue to prosper but would do so in a way that contributes to the overall economic health of their employees and the communities they operate in, rather than exacerbating wealth inequality. This approach would help create a sustainable model where business success directly contributes to reducing poverty and improving food security.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?

“5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Started”:

1. Early in my career, I wasn’t well-versed in financial planning, which is critical, especially in the public sector where salaries are modest. I’ve seen many talented colleagues transition to the private sector to afford lifestyles that allow them to start families and buy homes. I learned that diligent saving and smart investing are essential for personal gain and to sustain a long-term commitment to social impact work without compromising one’s quality of life.
2. Travel is an invaluable educator. Each trip has offered insights into different cultures, systems, and governance models, enriching my understanding of what’s possible and shaping my approach to work. Traveling has taught me that effective solutions often require thinking beyond local perspectives and considering global successes and failures.
3. In the nonprofit industry, we’re often so focused on advocating for others that we neglect ourselves. My career took a significant turn for the better when I began to advocate for my advancements and needs with the same fervor I brought to my professional causes. Learning to speak up for myself has not only led to more opportunities but has also taught me the importance of self-respect in a demanding career.
4. Not being able to save everyone was a hard lesson, but a necessary one. Early on, I would take it personally when advice or assistance wasn’t taken, especially when I saw the negative consequences unfold. I’ve learned that you can offer support, but ultimately, everyone must make their own choices. This taught me to focus on the positive impact I could have rather than dwelling on what was beyond my control.
5. In a field as demanding as social advocacy, it’s important to celebrate every victory, no matter how small. There will be setbacks, but learn from them and then move on, focusing on the successes. I’ve also learned the importance of taking breaks; stepping away is necessary for sustainability in this work. Balancing professional passion with personal well-being ensures that I can continue to make a difference without burning out.

These lessons have guided my professional decisions and helped me maintain my dedication and passion for making a positive social impact.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

If I had the influence to ignite a widespread movement, it would be centered on fostering understanding and solidarity across diverse communities. All humans share fundamental desires — the aspiration for a decent livelihood, access to quality education, reliable healthcare, and a safe environment. These needs transcend race, age, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality.

Societal focus is misplaced on our differences rather than our common goals, leading to division. By emphasizing our shared human experiences and collective aspirations, we can build a more unified society. This is what I admire about Reverend Dr. William Barber’s approach; he effectively communicates these shared values in uniting people around a common cause.

The movement I envision would work to dismantle the barriers of misunderstanding and mistrust that divide us. Through community dialogues, collaborative projects, and shared experiences, we could cultivate a culture of empathy and cooperation, uplifting everyone by recognizing our similarities. This initiative could bridge gaps and foster a more inclusive, equitable world.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

Choosing just one person for such a meeting is indeed challenging! On a personal level, I would be thrilled to have a private breakfast or lunch with Beyoncé. Her impact on culture and her business acumen, coupled with her discreet yet powerful advocacy for Black communities, is inspirational. She embodies the strength and creativity that drive societal progress, and discussing her journey and insights would be enlightening.

Professionally, I would choose Julian Castro. During his 2020 presidential campaign, he highlighted and actively engaged with the concept of intersectionality. He advocated for policies that directly align with WhyHunger’s mission, such as increasing EBT accessibility during school closures, extending labor law protections to farmers and domestic workers, and other progressive ideas that champion social justice and economic equality. His approach to policymaking and his dedication to communities on the frontlines of change resonate with our goals. A conversation with him would be an opportunity to explore collaborative possibilities and gain insights that could enhance our advocacy efforts. Meeting Julian Castro would be an honor and a step toward advancing food security and systemic change.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

We can be found on the following channels:

• www.whyhunger.org
• https://www.instagram.com/WhyHungerPix
• https://www.facebook.com/WhyHunger
• https://Twitter.com/WhyHunger
• https://www.tiktok.com/@whyhungertok

This was very meaningful, thank you so much, and we wish you only continued success.