WICHITA, Kan. – Erika Debrick Kelly has been hired as the inaugural executive director of Hunger Free Kansas, an initiative launched by the Kansas Health Foundation and a statewide coalition of partners in 2023 to end hunger and food insecurity across the state.

“Across all corners of our state, 1 in 8 Kansans will go to work, school and bed hungry today,” Debrick Kelly said. “It’s the people behind these numbers, along with the knowledge that a hunger-free future is entirely within our reach, that will serve as my North Star in this new role. I’m incredibly honored to build upon the legacies of anti-hunger leaders in our state and am eager to seek the new partnerships, coalitions and champions needed to truly turn the tide on hunger. No one sector, organization or institution can end hunger alone, but together we can, and we will.”

Hunger Free Kansas aims to create sustainable solutions by uniting experts from public and private sectors to develop the strategies that will combat the issue from multiple angles. As executive director, Debrick Kelly will work to inspire innovation and collaboration while mobilizing partner organizations to develop a unified front that will one day end food insecurity in the state and lead to a hunger-free Kansas.

“The Kansas Health Foundation is committed to empowering Kansans to lead the nation in health, and that includes tackling the pervasive issue of hunger and food insecurity in our state through the Hunger Free Kansas initiative,” said Ed O’Malley, KHF president and CEO. “We are excited to have Erika at the helm of this statewide partnership. With nearly two decades of experience working with national, state and local organizations in the fight against hunger, Erika brings invaluable expertise and passion to this mission.”

Debrick Kelly is a sixth-generation Kansan who grew up between Paola and the Kansas City suburbs. She earned her B.A. in social sciences from Benedictine College and completed minors in politics, economics and secondary education.

Debrick Kelly’s career began on Capitol Hill as part of the legislative team for Congressman Ike Skelton of Missouri. She went on to serve over a decade on the executive team at Meals on Wheels America, where she led government affairs, advocacy, membership and developing partnerships to strengthen and fund nutrition programs nationwide. In 2024, she returned to Kansas to serve as chief operations officer for Debrick Truck Line Company.

Debrick Kelly will begin her new role on March 31, 2025.

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