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After a 'trying two years,' Harvesters CEO retires

By Brian Ellison,

Published June 17, 2022 at 2:09 PM CDT

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Harvesters CEO Valerie Nicholson-Watson said while growing up food meant "family and love" and the idea that some Americans didn't have that led her to want to make a difference.

After 20 years with the community food bank and nine years as president and CEO, Valerie Nicholson-Watson is retiring from Harvesters Community Food Network.

The need for food in Kansas City spiked during the pandemic, and while the number of those relying on Harvesters has gone down, Valerie Nicholson-Watson, said "the need is still high."

Nicholson-Watson who retires from Harvesters at the end of the month said "I think I've done a great job," but admits the last two years have been "trying."

Valerie Nicholson-Watson, president and CEO, Harvesters Community Food Network

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Brian Ellison

As a host and contributor at KCUR, I seek to create a more informed citizenry and richer community. I want to enlighten and inspire our audience by delivering the information they need with accuracy and urgency, clarifying what’s complicated and teasing out the complexities of what seems simple. I work to craft conversations that reveal realities in our midst and model civil discourse in a divided world. Follow me on Twitter @ptsbrian or email me at brian@kcur.org.

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Elizabeth Ruiz

When you listen to Up To Date, I want you to understand decisions being made in the city, feel inspired by community members, and empathize with people who've had different experiences. As an Up To Date producer, I connect you to the news through conversations with community members and elected officials. Contact me at elizabeth@kcur.org or on Twitter at @er_bentley_ruiz.

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