Overview
World Hunger Relief Institute (WHRI) is a non-profit organization based in Waco, Texas, committed to alleviating hunger globally through sustainable agriculture, education, and research. Founded in 1976 by Bob and Jan Salley, WHRI has a mission to promote nutrition security and address global food system challenges with a vision of creating a resilient food system prioritizing local agricultural production, equitable food access, and ecological sustainability.
Programs and Initiatives
WHRI's key programs include:
- Spring Lake Farm: A practical demonstration site for sustainable agriculture practices.
- Livestock and Market Garden Programs: Managed by Grant Hall, focusing on regenerative farming and community education.
- Educational Programs: Provides hands-on learning opportunities, internships, and emphasizes partnerships like Food Is Medicine.
Leadership and Governance
- Grant Hall: Market Garden Manager, specializes in regenerative farming and community education. Background in film and digital media from Baylor University.
- Beth Ferguson: Operations Manager, oversees administrative and marketing functions, studying Business Administration at WGU.
- Sarah Mayo: Community Engagement Coordinator, with expertise in environmental biology and sustainable agriculture.
- Phil Glader: Interim Farm Manager, focused on farm safety and sustainable farming technologies.
The WHRI Board of Directors features:
- Grace Norman: President
- Elisha Dillon: Vice President
- Evan Taddia: Treasurer
- John Stanley: Secretary
- Additional board members contribute to strategic decision-making.
Funding and Partnerships
WHRI recently secured a $1.3 million grant from the EPA for Blackland Prairie restoration and education, which underpins their climate-smart internships and agricultural education programs.
Contact Information
- Address: PO Box 639, Elm Mott, TX 76640
- Physical Location: 356 Spring Lake Road, Waco, TX 76705
- Email: info@worldhungerrelief.org
- Phone: (254) 799-5611
- Operating Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Competitive Landscape
Primary Competitors
1. Action Against Hunger | ACF-USA
- Operates in over 55 countries focusing on nutrition, food security, and healthcare, with a reputation for emergency response and effective use of donations.
2. Feeding America
- The largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the U.S., working with food banks and advocating for policy reforms to address hunger domestically.
3. World Food Programme (WFP)
- As the largest global humanitarian agency, WFP focuses on emergency relief, school meals, resilience building, and food security, engaging with governments and the private sector.
Other Notable Competitors
- Heifer International: Uses livestock and training for sustainable community development.
- CARE USA: Operates in 121 countries, tackling poverty and hunger by empowering women.
- Rise Against Hunger: Known for meal packaging events addressing global hunger.
Strategic Insights
- Collaborative Potential: Collaborations with organizations like WFP could leverage extensive partnerships for joint initiatives in areas impacted by conflict and natural disasters.
- Innovative Solutions: Learning from models like Heifer International could inspire WHRI to integrate innovative approaches like livestock and education in its programs.
- Domestic vs. Global Focus: WHRI might consider expanding its domestic initiatives, akin to Feeding America, to enhance its global footprint addressing food insecurity.
- Advocacy and Policy Influence: Strengthening advocacy efforts will be vital for WHRI to influence policy and foster long-term hunger solutions.
This detailed profile of the World Hunger Relief Institute and its competitors highlights the dense competitive environment and positioning of WHRI within the global hunger relief sector, offering insights into potential collaborative and strategic opportunities.
