About L. Ron Pringle
Speaker | Mediator | Nonprofit Leader
L. Ron Pringle's Bio
01
About L. Ron Pringle
“We’ve been feeding people for a long time, but now, we must also feed the future—with courage, clarity, and the power of lived truth.”
I grew up in the Lowcountry, where my earliest lessons in leadership came from family, community, and the land. Later, during Desert Storm, I served as a U.S. Air Force Chaplain’s Assistant—an experience that taught me that leadership is less about titles and more about presence.
For more than 25 years, I’ve worked in food banking and community development with one guiding principle: dignity first. Every program, partnership, and conversation begins with respect for people’s lived wisdom. I’ve helped lead food banks through hurricanes, pandemics, and seasons of transformation. Along the way, I’ve seen resilience take root when we center equity, invest in local farmers, and create opportunities for people to thrive.
Today, as President & CEO of Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, my mission is simple but urgent: to move beyond emergency relief toward lasting nutrition security. That means building food systems where dignity is non-negotiable, community voices lead the way, and every investment creates the foundation for generations to flourish.
L. Ron Pringle's Bio
01
About L.Ron Pringle
“We’ve been feeding people for a long time, but now, we must also feed the future—with courage, clarity, and the power of lived truth.”
For over 25 years, I have worked to transform food systems with equity, innovation, and community partnership at the center. From my start in the Lowcountry and my service as a U.S. Air Force Chaplain’s Assistant, to leading food banks through natural disasters and national crises, my journey has been rooted in dignity and resilience. Today, my focus is on helping communities and leaders move beyond emergency relief toward lasting nutrition security—where neighbors’ wisdom guides the plan and every voice has power.
I grew up in the Lowcountry, where my earliest lessons in leadership came from family, community, and the land. Later, during Desert Storm, I served as a U.S. Air Force Chaplain’s Assistant—an experience that taught me that leadership is less about titles and more about presence.
For more than 25 years, I’ve worked in food banking and community development with one guiding principle: dignity first. Every program, partnership, and conversation begins with respect for people’s lived wisdom. I’ve helped lead food banks through hurricanes, pandemics, and seasons of transformation. Along the way, I’ve seen resilience take root when we center equity, invest in local farmers, and create opportunities for people to thrive.
System Change
Focused on equity, dignity, and sustainable nutrition security.
Proven Leadership
Guided food banks through crises, growth, and lasting impact.
Lived Experience
Shaped by service, community struggles, and resilience in action.
Human Connection
Leading with authenticity, humility, and listening first.
02
Leadership & Impact
“Real change begins with listening — to neighbors, to partners, to the quiet truths we often overlook.”
I grew up in the Lowcountry, served during Desert Storm, and learned early that leadership is not about titles but about presence. Over the past 25 years, my work in food banking and community development has been guided by one principle: dignity first. Every program, partnership, and conversation begins with respect for people’s lived wisdom.
From building nationally recognized apprenticeship programs to steering organizations through hurricanes and pandemics, I’ve seen how resilience grows when we lead with both courage and compassion. My mission is to move beyond emergency relief toward lasting nutrition security—anchored in equity, collaboration, and the belief that communities already hold the answers we seek.
For over 25 years, L. Ron Pringle has been at the forefront of transforming food systems with equity, innovation, and community partnership at the center. From his service in the U.S. Air Force during Desert Storm to leading food banks through natural disasters and national crises, his journey has been rooted in resilience and compassion.
System Change
Advancing equity, dignity, and sustainable nutrition security.
Proven Leadership
Guiding food banks through crisis, growth, and impact.
Lived Experience
Shaped by service, community struggles, and resilience in action.
Human Connection
Leading with authenticity, humility, and listening first.
His leadership has secured more than $10M in relief and program funding, impacted over 50 cities nationwide, and built nationally recognized apprenticeship and workforce
“Leadership isn’t about performance — it’s about presence and compassion.”
For more than two decades, I’ve worked at the intersection of agriculture, health, and community, leading teams through both crisis and transformation. From advancing food banks in South Carolina to building workforce development programs in North Carolina, my journey has always been about turning pain into purpose and challenge into growth.
Today, as President & CEO of Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, my focus is on reimagining food systems—moving from short-term relief to long-term nutrition security. By investing in local farmers, fostering community partnerships, and centering dignity in every effort, I believe we can build systems that don’t just feed people for a day but sustain generations to come.
System Change
Focused on equity, dignity, and sustainable nutrition security.
Proven Leadership
Guided food banks through crises, growth, and lasting impact.
Lived Experience
Shaped by service, community struggles, and resilience in action.
Human Connection
Leading with authenticity, humility, and listening first.
“NC is the 10th hungriest state in the country. At Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, we know we cannot take on this challenge alone. It takes the commitment of partners like BCBSNC—because they are part of this community, and it is our shared responsibility to protect and carry forward the legacy that is IFFS. Together, we’re ensuring better health stays on the table for more than 60,000 North Carolinians each month.”
NC is the 10th hungriest state in the country. Our partners at the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle are determined to help people live without the dangers of food insecurity. We’re proud to support them in keeping better health on the table for more than 60,000 North Carolinians each month.
Insights in Action
Explore my YouTube channel for talks, reflections, and stories from the field. These videos capture my work in leadership, food security, and community building—offering a window into the lessons, challenges, and solutions that continue to shape my journey.