Eddie Oliver (he/him)
Executive Director
eoliver@vafoodbanks.org
804-549-5675
Eddie serves as the Executive Director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, uniting seven regional food banks to enhance access to nutritious food statewide. Prior to his start with the Federation in January 2018, Eddie served as the No Kid Hungry Virginia State Director, spearheading a statewide initiative to bolster participation in federal child nutrition programs alongside First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe. Through his leadership, Virginia saw an annual increase of 10 million school breakfasts and 2 million afterschool meals and snacks served to students. Drawing from eight years of experience cultivating partnerships across the Commonwealth, Eddie is committed to building a more inclusive and effective food system. He continues this mission by leading collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the collective priorities of Virginia’s food banks.
Meaghan Butler MPH, RD (she/her)
Senior Director of Health Equity
mbutler@vafoodbanks.org
914-409-8982
Meaghan, a registered dietitian and fervent advocate for public health, is dedicated to advancing health equity for all. In her current role as Health Equity Director, she is instrumental in fortifying Virginia’s food banks to champion health equity. Through her leadership, she spearheads the implementation of our statewide health equity plan and fosters deeper collaborations within the health sector. With her unwavering commitment to improving policies and systems, Meaghan strives to ensure that every individual can attain their desired level of health.
Hollie Lutz (she/her)
Director of Development and Communications
Hollie brings over a decade of expertise in food banking to her role as the Grants Manager at the Federation. Her journey began in 2010 at Northern Illinois Food Bank, where she supported the Agency Services department before delving into SNAP outreach and healthcare partnerships. Transitioning to the Feeding America National Organization in 2017, Hollie focused on combatting senior hunger, steadily advancing to the position of Director of Equitable Access by 2022. Her diverse experiences, including stints in various nonprofits and Virginia state government, have equipped her with a multifaceted understanding of grant writing, community engagement, program development, and evaluation. Passionate about food justice, Hollie is dedicated to co-creating solutions within communities. She earned her Masters degree in Gender and Women’s Studies from DePaul University in Chicago and holds a certificate in Trauma-Informed Organizations.
Patricia Escobar-Chena (she/her)
Digital Marketing Coordinator
pescobarchena@vafoodbanks.org
Patricia brings her expertise to the role of Marketing Coordinator, leveraging her background in Administration and Marketing gained at a Richmond area wealth management firm and Virginia Commonwealth University. With a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset, she excels in developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote initiatives effectively. Patricia’s experience in both administrative and marketing roles has honed her ability to navigate complex projects while maintaining a focus on achieving organizational objectives. She is dedicated to utilizing her skills to enhance outreach and engagement efforts, ensuring that the Federation’s mission reaches a broader audience.
Sydney Sanders (she/her)
Healthy Pantry Initiative VISTA
ssanders@vafoodbanks.org
Sydney assumes the role of the Healthy Pantry Initiative VISTA for the Federation of VA Food Banks through the AmeriCorps VISTA program. Her responsibilities include aiding in the implementation and assessment of the statewide Healthy Pantry Initiative, aimed at enhancing health equity and nutrition in food pantries across Virginia. Sydney recently graduated from the University of Georgia, earning a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs with minors in Human Rights and Social Work. Additionally, she holds certificates in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, as well as Global Studies. Through her university experience and internship with the Human Rights Measurement Initiative, Sydney cultivated a profound passion for economic and social human rights, particularly the right to sufficient, nutritious food. She is enthusiastic about contributing to this program and advancing the promotion of human rights in Virginia.
