The abundance of food choices floods the modern world while millions question the location of their next meal across the world. Mantz delves into the power of the haves and the have-nots identifying the role the nourished play in solving the conundrum, that is, food insecurity. As a leader of one of the largest non-profit organizations in the US, Thomas and his team have led significant organization growth over the last 10 years. During his tenure, meals provided have grown from 15 million to over 90 million annually. Funding has increased from less than $3 million per year to over $25 million, expanding the mission to end hunger and introduce additional services to lift those struggling to a life of health and capability. The organization is now constructing the area’s largest social service project in history, a 215 square foot Community Center that will create an economic return of $470 million per year, ending hunger in West Central Florida. Doors open in spring of 2023.
Over the course of his non-profit career in the Tampa Bay area, Thomas has been recognized as a Lightning Community Hero, received the Community Impact Award from the YMCA, and was listed as a four-time Tampa Bay Business Journal Power 100. He is considered a global thought leader in the hunger-relief space and has attended leadership programs at both Harvard and Georgetown Universities. He guest lectures at the University of South Florida, University of Tampa and St. Leo University. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx