Mark Wainwright: Leading With Purpose Through It Takes A Village To Feed One Child

Photo By: Kashe Harris

Mark Wainwright’s journey is one defined by service, faith, and an unwavering belief that caring for humanity, especially the most vulnerable, is both a calling and a responsibility. As the Founder, Executive Director, and CEO of It Takes A Village To Feed One Child, Mark leads with purpose, humility, and a vision rooted in community impact rather than personal gain.

Throughout his career, Mark has worn many hats. His professional background spans banking, lending, investments, insurance, real estate, and ownership of multiple businesses across various sectors. often simultaneously. While this breadth of experience shaped his leadership and strategic thinking, it was philanthropy and community service that ultimately became his life’s work.

Mark’s commitment to giving back began long before the creation of his nonprofit. He credits its origin to an “implanted gift from God,” one that grew over time through lived experience. Watching his late mother selflessly give to the West Philadelphia community, despite having very little herself, left an indelible impression. That spirit of generosity deepened during his years at Scotland School for Veterans Children, a boarding school dedicated to supporting inner-city youth and fostering a family-like environment built on mutual care and accountability.

As a young adult, that calling took shape in an unexpected way. Mark owned a restaurant initially created for profit, but as community needs became clearer, it transformed into a source of nourishment for local schoolchildren. That pivotal shift, from business to mission, laid the foundation for what would later become It Takes A Village To Feed One Child.

Founded in 2017, the organization represents the evolution of Mark’s lifelong passion for service. What began as a focused effort has grown into a far-reaching nonprofit committed to addressing hunger and food insecurity while also supporting holistic human development. The organization’s name reflects both its philosophy and its scope: FEED, an acronym for Fostering Enrichment and Empowerment through Development.

Today, It Takes A Village To Feed One Child serves children, seniors, at-risk adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, and emergency shelters in low-income and disadvantaged communities—locally, nationally, regionally, and globally. With a dedicated team of 15, the organization now delivers over 250,000 meals every month to more than 100 centers across multiple counties in Pennsylvania. Since its inception, the nonprofit has provided nearly 7 million meals to those facing food insecurity.

For Mark, the organization’s growth is his proudest achievement, not because of scale, but because of

purpose. “When it becomes bigger than you,” he reflects, “it grows and expands to unimaginable levels.” The success of It Takes A Village To Feed One Child is driven by a collective passion shared by its team and partners, all united by a mission to uplift humanity.

Photo From: The Chamber of commerce for Greater Philadelphia

Inspiration for Mark begins with faith. Beyond that, he draws motivation from grassroots organizations and community leaders who create meaningful change every day. Groups such as Mighty Writers, Brotherly Love Pro AM Foundation, Men of Courage, The Family Church (NJ), Faith Assembly of God, Taylor Made Connections, and Change Our Future exemplify the values that align with his own—consistent service, integrity, and compassion.

For those looking to support the mission, there are many ways to get involved. Donations, partnerships, and community engagement help sustain and expand the organization’s impact. Supporters can learn more or contribute by visiting FEED1CHILD.org, texting 53-555 with the message FEED2, or mailing contributions to It Takes A Village To Feed One Child, 2000 West Valley Forge Circle, Suite 140–141, King of Prussia, PA 19406.

At its core, Mark Wainwright’s work is a reminder that meaningful change begins with intention, grows through faith, and flourishes when communities come together. Through It Takes A Village To Feed One Child, he continues to prove that when service leads the way, hope follows.