Nicole Lander, R.D.

Nicole Lander is a bold strategist and compassionate changemaker whose work is reshaping how communities confront hunger. As Chief Impact Officer at the Houston Food Bank, she brings over 20 years of experience in food systems, public health, and nonprofit leadership to one of the largest food banks in the nation.

A registered dietitian by training, Nicole has led transformative initiatives that have expanded the food bank’s reach and deepened its impact. She manages over $30 million in annual expenses —nearly half of the organization’s total budget — ensuring resources are used efficiently and equitably. Under her leadership, the food bank reached a historic milestone in Fy19, distributing 5.5 million meals to children, the highest in its history.

Nicole was instrumental in developing the Food for Change philosophy program, a groundbreaking approach that reimagines food assistance as a catalyst for long-term stability. By integrating food distribution with wraparound services like healthcare, education, and workforce development, she helped shift the narrative from charity to empowerment — ensuring that food becomes a bridge to opportunity, not just a temporary fix.

She also led the construction of a 10,000-square-foot kitchen, resulting in a 25% increase in meals served through afterschool and summer programs. In addition, she built the food bank’s first in-house research team from the ground up, using data to drive smarter, more targeted interventions in underserved communities.

Nicole’s career includes leadership roles in healthcare and education, including Director of Food Services at Aramark Healthcare and Manager of Nutrition Services at Alief Isd. Her work has always centered on systems change, equity, and measurable impact.

Beyond her professional achievements, Nicole is deeply committed to community service. She serves on the board of CyHope, a nonprofit dedicated to “Making Life Better for Kids” in underserved communities through after-school centers, counseling, mentoring, food assistance, and Stem education. She also co-chairs the Feeding America Ending Hunger Community of Practice, mentors students through the Mentoring Alliance with Houston Isd, and serves on the Social Determinants of Health Planning Committee.

Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Michigan State University and has been a registered dietitian for almost 20 years. Her leadership continues to inspire innovation, collaboration, and a more just approach to ending hunger.