Tamela Saunders

Executive Director @The Harvest Outreach People\'s Project The Hopp

US

As Executive Director of The Harvest Outreach People’s Project (The HOPP), I am honored to lead an organization dedicated to eliminating food insecurity and strengthening communities across Delaware. Every month, The HOPP reaches more than families through a network of 40 distribution sites, powered by 200 committed volunteers and supported by corporate, nonprofit, and faith-based partners.At the heart of our mission is the belief that access to fresh, healthy food is a right, not a privilege. That is why everything we provide is completely free. Families receive high-quality, farm-to-table produce sourced through local partnerships, with no ID, no payment, and no barriers. Through initiatives such as Pack & Pray, where volunteers prepare produce bags for statewide distribution, and HOPP Drops, which bring immediate relief to neighborhoods in need, we ensure dignity, nourishment, and hope reach every home we serve.The HOPP works closely with farms, businesses, healthcare providers, and community organizations to create a holistic ecosystem of support. Partnerships with WSFS Bank, AmeriHealth, Christiana Care, the Delaware Farm Council, and others allow us to provide farm-fresh food and connect families with resources that promote resilience, health, and long-term well-being.In this role, I am responsible for advancing our vision, cultivating sustainable funding, strengthening partnerships, and guiding expansion as we prepare to launch the HOPP Resource Center and Central Distribution Hub in Wilmington. These initiatives will expand capacity, deepen community engagement, and extend our reach into Maryland, Washington, D.C, and beyond.At The HOPP, food is more than nourishment. It is a catalyst for transformation. I am committed to leading with compassion, vision, and innovation to ensure every family we serve experiences not only provision but also the dignity of knowing that hope, like our food, is freely given. Learn more at