Staff

Jackie Anderson, Executive Director

Jackie has worked in the non-profit sector for more than 25 years, supporting communities and families by providing opportunities to improve overall health, support young people, and contribute to a stronger, more cohesive community for all. For two decades with the YMCA of the USA, she was responsible for leading initiatives focused on food security and youth development at the national and state levels.  

Prior to joining Feeding Wisconsin, Jackie was the Director of Raising Wisconsin, where she led advocacy efforts focused on a statewide investment in childcare and optimal development of our children.  She led a powerful, multi-sector coalition of partners with vast networks, experiences and collective voices necessary to push critical policy and advocacy efforts forward. 

She believes that every person can be an effective advocate by sharing their perspective and stories with elected officials and policymakers around the importance of food security throughout the state of Wisconsin.   

Jackie earned a bachelor's degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University and recently completed the Wisconsin Women's Network Policy Institute.  

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Jules Lee, FoodShare Outreach Program Director

In both Indiana and Wisconsin, Jules has served the emergency food assistance program over the span of twenty-two years. And as a child, his family were recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Gary Indiana. From 2000 to 2011, Jules served with the Community Kitchen of Monroe County to reduce nutrition insecurity among underserved members of Bloomington, IN. He then pursued a bachelor and master’s degree in public health from Indiana University, served as an AmeriCorps*VISTA, and moved to Madison for the University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Institute Fellowship. Jules was also employed with Middleton Outreach Ministry as a Food Security Manager, fostering relationships with pantry guests and community organizations supporting hunger relief.

Jules is excited to apply these experiences and grow into the role of FoodShare Outreach Program Director. In his spare time, he sings with his church choir and the Madison Symphony Chorus, loves exercising at the gym, and volunteering for a cause. Jules currently lives in Middleton, where you may find him walking along the Pheasant Branch Conservancy.

Email Jules

Call or Text: 608-960-4511

Jorge Richards, FoodShare Outreach & Helpline Coordinator

Jorge has worked in medical and community settings for over 8 years. He feels happy to use his ability to speak Spanish and English to help individuals and professionals better communicate as an interpreter, facilitator, and advocate. Jorge has experience working with Medicaid, FoodShare, County Departments, Hospitals, and many other fields. He finds satisfaction and happiness in helping people. Although Jorge was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, he feels like a Wisconsinite. He has lived in the Fox Valley area for the last 14 years, where he met his wife of almost 10 years. He enjoys watching the Packers and Brewers play, spending time with his wife and two Labradors, hiking, or reading a good book.

For Jorge, each interaction is an opportunity to build relationships, make our community stronger, and contribute positively to our neighbor’s well-being. For him, there is no better feeling than turning frustration into hope, and giving individuals a reason to smile.

Email Jorge

Call or Text: 608-457-1657

Mel McDonnell, FoodShare Outreach & Helpline Coordinator

Mel grew up just south of Madison, in Janesville, WI, and has lived in Madison for about 10 years. Since an early age, she has been involved in community outreach, starting with volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club and organizing holiday meals for a homeless shelter in Janesville. Mel attended college at Edgewood and UW-Whitewater, studying the arts and nutrition. She has worked in healthcare almost exclusively and has enjoyed the intrinsic nature of helping people in need. Now, Mel is excited to provide support to our community in an impactful way to address hunger in our state.

Mel lives in Madison with her husband, daughter, and two tuxedo cats, Charlie and Milkshake. She enjoys music events, spending time with her family, and making art in her free time.

Email Mel

Call or Text: 608-440-2880

Jason Pan, Policy & Communications Intern

Jason is our policy and communications intern and is excited to assist in combating food insecurity. He grew up in Nanjing, China attending international school and moved to Wisconsin 10 years ago. Jason is a senior studying biology with certificates in Health Policy and Global Health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is involved with student clubs on campus and works as a first responder in Dane County. Jason wishes to pursue in career in public health in the future and looks forward to being a advocate for anti-hunger initiatives.

Jason lives in Madison and in his free time, he enjoys hiking, volunteering, and reading.

Email Jason

Call or Text: 608-467-1658