Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana

New Orleans, United States

Second Harvest is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending hunger in South Louisiana by distributing food and providing various support services to those in need. They engage with the community to alleviate food insecurity and offer resources to enhance nutrition and well-being.

CCI Score

38.30

June 18

Latest Event

Leadership Transition Amid External Pressure over Donor Funds

Following allegations that the New Orleans Archdiocese pressured Second Harvest Food Bank to reallocate donor funds towards covering the church's bankruptcy claims related to sexual abuse litigation, the organization underwent a major leadership transition. This included the termination of longtime board members and CEO Natalie Jayroe, the appointment of interim CEO Dirk J. Wild, and the introduction of new board members. The organization affirmed that all donations will be strictly used for its mission to fight food insecurity.

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DISSENTER

Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana is currently rated as a Dissenter.

+25 to +44 CCI Score

These companies are vocal in their opposition to authoritarian regimes. They publicly criticize oppressive policies and engage in advocacy efforts to promote accountability and transparency, even if their actions aren’t as extensive as those of Moral Leaders.

Latest Events

FEB

03

2025

Leadership Transition Amid External Pressure over Donor Funds
38.54

Following allegations that the New Orleans Archdiocese pressured Second Harvest Food Bank to reallocate donor funds towards covering the church's bankruptcy claims related to sexual abuse litigation, the organization underwent a major leadership transition. This included the termination of longtime board members and CEO Natalie Jayroe, the appointment of interim CEO Dirk J. Wild, and the introduction of new board members. The organization affirmed that all donations will be strictly used for its mission to fight food insecurity.
+40

Public and Political Behavior

June 18

Second Harvest’s public response—including its leadership changes and clear messaging that donor funds are exclusively for fighting hunger—demonstrates a commitment to maintaining independence from external, authoritarian pressures exerted by the Archdiocese. This proactive stance helps to preserve transparency and the integrity of their charitable work.

New Orleans Archdiocese issues video statement about donation allegations
+40

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

June 18

By rejecting the proposal to divert donor contributions for the Archdiocese's bankruptcy issues and by ensuring that donor money continues to support its core mission of alleviating hunger, Second Harvest upholds high ethical standards and operational integrity. This decision protects both donor intent and the welfare of the community.

New Orleans Archdiocese issues video statement about donation allegations
FEB

01

2025

Forced Leadership Change Amid Church Pressure Over Settlement Funds
48.15

On February 1, 2025, the archbishop of New Orleans’ Roman Catholic archdiocese fired Second Harvest's long-serving CEO and three board members after they refused to redirect up to $16 million intended for settling abuse claims. The move, tied to demands from the archdiocese to utilize donor funds for church-related settlements, has raised concerns about external authoritarian interference undermining independent nonprofit governance.
+50

Executive Political Engagement

June 18

The forced removal of top leadership by the archbishop, amid demands to divert funds for abuse settlements, highlights a case where external authoritarian pressure interfered with ethical, independent management. The ousted executives, who stood against such coercion to protect donor-intended resources, are seen as upholding ethical standards and resisting oppressive demands, earning a positive score from an anti-authoritarian perspective.

‘Disgusting’: New Orleans archbishop condemned over food bank firings
JAN

31

2025

Leadership Change at Second Harvest Amid External Pressure
34.13

Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana experienced a sudden leadership transition on January 31, 2025, when its board of directors and longtime CEO were terminated amid aggressive pressure from the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The organization had resisted efforts to divert donor funds to cover the church's sexual abuse bankruptcy claims, citing contractual obligations with Feeding America and the ethical mandate to focus solely on alleviating food insecurity.
+40

Public and Political Behavior

June 18

The incident highlights external political interference by the Archdiocese, attempting to coerce Second Harvest to reallocate funds. Despite the external pressure, the organization’s resistance exemplifies a positive stance against authoritarian and coercive political behavior, justifying a positive rating for Public and Political Behavior.

Second Harvest leadership claim funding sought by archdiocese
+30

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

June 18

By firmly rejecting the archdiocese's demand to redirect donor funds, Second Harvest upheld its ethical obligations and its commitment to a secular mission focused on fighting hunger. This action reinforces strong business practices and ethical responsibility.

Second Harvest leadership claim funding sought by archdiocese
JAN

31

2025

Refusal to Divert Funds Sparks Leadership Overhaul
32.38

Second Harvest Food Bank upheld its contractual commitment to solely address food insecurity by refusing to divert $16 million earmarked for feeding the hungry towards settling legal claims from the Archdiocese. This decision led to the firing of its longtime leader and three board members, underscoring the organization’s resistance to external authoritarian interference.
+20

Public and Political Behavior

June 18

Second Harvest’s stance to adhere to its contractual obligations and focus on feeding the hungry, despite external pressure from the Archdiocese to repurpose funds, reflects a commitment to secular, mission-driven values. This public resistance to authoritarian use of funds is seen as a positive, anti-authoritarian act that benefits the wider community.

Turmoil at Second Harvest • Invest in Louisiana
+50

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

June 18

By maintaining strict adherence to its funding agreements with national partners and rejecting external attempts to reallocate funds for non-mission uses, Second Harvest exhibited strong ethical business practices. This commitment to upholding contractual and ethical standards demonstrates resistance to repressive influences and protects the organization’s integrity and community service mission.

Turmoil at Second Harvest • Invest in Louisiana