MT. OLIVE, N.J. - s4story -- FoodNiche Institute is pleased to announce Derek J. Smith, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Bank, as the recipient of the 2026 Leadership in Food Access Award, recognizing his leadership and commitment to expanding food access and strengthening community health.

Food insecurity remains a significant public health challenge in the United States. In 2024, nearly 1 in 7 U.S. households (13.7%, representing 18.3 million households) experienced food insecurity, affecting approximately 47.9 million people. Research has also linked food insecurity with poorer dietary quality and adverse health outcomes, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

These challenges underscore the importance of community leaders and organizations working every day to ensure that individuals and families have reliable access to nutritious food.

Smith was one of the 20 leaders nominated for the award, and one of 3 finalists. He was selected for the award following attendee voting at the 2026 FoodNiche Health Forum, which brought together leaders from food access organizations, healthcare, government, research, and community-based organizations to explore strategies for improving community health.

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As Executive Director of the Franklin Food Bank, Smith has helped advance the organization's work beyond emergency food assistance toward a broader approach to food security and community well-being. His leadership reflects the collaborative, community-centered approach that the Leadership in Food Access Award was created to recognize.

"Receiving this recognition from FoodNiche is both humbling and energizing, particularly when I consider the company we're in. Laura Purdy's work at CUMAC and Surendra Parampalli's leadership at World Food Movement represent exactly the kind of bold, community-driven vision this field needs. To be recognized alongside them is an honor I don't take lightly.

What drives our work at the Franklin Food Bank is a deep conviction that food insecurity cannot be solved by any single sector working alone. The most meaningful progress we've made has come at the intersection where healthcare meets food access, where data informs programming, and where community organizations, clinical partners, government, and philanthropy sit at the same table and ask the same questions together. Complex problems require cross-sector solutions, and food insecurity is among the most complex challenges a community can face.

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We are committed to outcomes, not just outputs. To asking not just how many people we served, but what changed for them as a result. That means responsive programming, data-informed decisions, and a willingness to keep evolving. Spaces like FoodNiche—where practitioners can connect, learn, and challenge each other—are essential to that work. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate in rooms like this one, and we look forward to continuing to build together."— Derek J. Smith, Executive Director, Franklin Food Bank

About FoodNiche Institute

FoodNiche Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on advancing community health through nutrition research, education, and strategic programming.