Event Will Feature USF Hunger Expert Dr. David Himmelgreen, Philanthropist Marshall Field V, and Nonprofit Partners Working on Reliable Access to Healthy, Affordable Food Across Our Region
Dr. David Himmelgreen, Director for the University of South Florida Center for the Advancement of Food Security & Healthy Communities (CAFSHC), will be keynote speaker; Marshall Field V, a noted philanthropist, will receive the 2026 McIntosh Award for outstanding service.
The Community Foundation holds its Founders Luncheon each year to rally hundreds of donors, nonprofit partners, and community leaders around a key community issue.
This year’s event, themed “Hope for Hunger,” will spotlight local donors and nonprofit partners working to ensure reliable access to healthy, affordable food across Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Co-hosts of the event are Jeffrey A. Stoops, Chair of Community Foundation’s Board of Directors, and Danita R. DeHaney, President & CEO of the Community Foundation.
“Food insecurity affects families in every zip code — often quietly, but with real and lasting consequences,” said DeHaney. “Through this year’s theme, Hope for Hunger, we aim to shine a light on the incredible local organizations ensuring our neighbors have access to healthy, affordable food. Together, we can make meaningful progress toward a future where no one in Palm Beach or Martin County goes hungry.”
Himmelgreen, Ph.D., is a biomedical anthropologist and professor in the Department of Anthropology at USF. Dr. Himmelgreen’s research focuses on food insecurity and health, food-as-medicine initiatives, and nutrition education. He has conducted research in the United States, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Lesotho, and India.
Dr. Himmelgreen founded and directs the USF CAFSHC, a statewide center recognized by the Florida Board of Governors. CAFSHC’s mission is to eliminate food insecurity through research, education, and innovative strategies that increase access to affordable, nutritious foods and create healthier communities. The center works closely with community partners to design and evaluate programs that improve food security, health, and well-being. He also co-organized the USF Future of Food Think Tank and is an active member of the Florida Alliance for Food Security which is part of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
“I look forward to joining the Palm Beach and Martin Counties’ giving community to shed light on what true food security means,” said Dr. Himmelgreen. “It’s crucial in this moment to understand the ecosystem that sustains food access, the threats it faces, and proven ways to strengthen it, including approaches like ‘Food Is Medicine’ programs that not only stem hunger but improve health and reduce healthcare costs.”
Marshall Field V of Hobe Sound, a longtime volunteer and advocate for the Community Foundation, has been named the 2026 McIntosh Award recipient. Named in honor of Community Foundation founders Winsome and Michael McIntosh, the award recognizes individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the community through leadership, generosity, and service.
Field — a fifth-generation philanthropist from a family celebrated for its civic leadership — is known for his enduring commitment to Martin County through volunteer service and strategic philanthropy. His lifelong passion for environmental conservation, education, healthcare, and the arts continues to shape and strengthen the community.
Tickets and sponsorships are on sale now.
Established in 2014 as the Founder’s Award Luncheon, the Community Foundation’s signature annual event was launched as an opportunity to convene donors and nonprofit partners on important issues facing the region and to celebrate their collective impact. In addition to raising awareness, the Founders Luncheon showcases the importance of philanthropy with a special award ceremony.
