As dedicated and loyal supporters of Second Harvest and its mission, we are writing to address the recent news regarding the transition of leadership at Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana.
Our top priority at this time is to ensure day-to-day operations will remain on schedule and services will continue uninterrupted, which is made possible by your ongoing support. Dirk J. Wild has been named interim CEO of Second Harvest and has begun meeting with staff to ensure a smooth transition. New board members David Gallo, Gary Lorio and William D. Hoffman have been appointed to the board, and we look forward to working with them and the Board of Directors.
While donor funds are the focus of media reports, there is a much broader issue related to the Archdiocesan bankruptcy.
In 2022, a lawsuit against the Archdiocese and other ministries that held significant assets, including Second Harvest, was filed on behalf of the abuse survivors. The lawsuit was dismissed and since then, the parties have been signing agreements to protect themselves from imminent litigation. This year, Second Harvest former leadership refused to sign the agreement.
The actions of failing to sign the agreement would have subjected Second Harvest to being sued, along with the Archdiocese and its ministries as well as other businesses and people who do business with the Archdiocese. As a result, they would have incurred significant legal fees to defend themselves, rather than focusing on reaching an amicable resolution. The suit would have also drastically increased the cost of the Archdiocesan bankruptcy, which has already cost far too much, and it would have further delayed its resolution.
Therefore, the difficult decision was made to transition leadership.
Donations intended to support Second Harvest’s mission have not been used for the bankruptcy.
Second Harvest has an incredible staff who work tirelessly and is committed to its mission of addressing food insecurity throughout South Louisiana. But we can’t do this without you.
We appreciate your ongoing support and value your dedication to Second Harvest Food Bank and ask that these misrepresentations not deter you from continuing your support for this important mission.
Wishing you God’s blessing, I am respectfully
Most Rev. Gregory M. Aymond Archbishop of New Orleans
Sincerely,
Dirk J. Wild Interim President & CEO Second Harvest Food Bank of New Orleans and Acadiana