White rises in food bank chain


Monica White, president, and CEO of Food Share of Ventura County has been named the new chair of the board of directors of the California Association of Food Banks from October through May 2022.

White has served for three years on the association board of directors, including as vice-chair of the executive committee and chair of the governance and membership committee.

The association, which was founded in 1995, works with 41 California-based member food banks to ensure they have the resources to fight hunger across the state.

The organization also works to increase access to CalFresh, California’s food stamp program; creates partnerships with the agriculture industry to secure excess produce and reduce food waste; and advocates for pro-food bank and anti-hunger policies at local, state, and federal levels.

White joined Food Share of Ventura County as president and CEO in 2017 after having previously served on its board.

As CEO, White led Food Share out of a period of financial challenges while responding to hunger relief needs during the Thomas fire and most of the pandemic.

Last year Food Share distributed more than 26 million pounds of food, providing more than 21 million meals to people in Ventura County, the largest amount of food ever given out in the organization’s 43-year history, and nearly double the previous high of 13.5 million pounds in 2019.