Born to Lead

Ryan Gustis stands at the helm of The Backpack Project, the Chicago-area nonprofit he brought to life. Through the organization, Ryan and other volunteers reach out to the unhoused, hand delivering thousands of backpacks filled with food, socks, outerwear, toiletries and handmade cards carrying messages of love and support.

A 2025 Food Hero and now a college student living away from home, Ryan reflects on how the experience, including mentoring from Hormel Foods professionals, has allowed him to continue and even broaden his work.

“I was focused on expanding the project and continuing the mission while I transitioned to college,” he says. “The Food Heroes program has helped me not only in terms of gaining advice from others, but also, the grant money has assisted as we try new fundraising efforts since I moved away.”

Having a network of Food Heroes is likewise serving him well, giving him people to talk to and bounce ideas off. Being mentored by the likes of Hormel Foods is also strengthening The Backpack Project.

“I think it’s a great point of credibility that has opened the doors to new partnerships and opportunities,” he says.

Happiness is a warm blanket for Chris (CJ) Matthews, the young founder of Blankies 4 My Buddies. Those affiliated with the nonprofit deliver blankets and kindness to anyone dealing with a difficult situation, such as illness, loss, grief, food insecurity or homelessness. CJ also hosts events where he serves meals and distributes cold-weather gear and toys.

Becoming a Food Hero has changed him, he says. For starters, it has given him more resolve.

“Being selected as a Food Hero helped me see that what I was doing mattered on a larger scale. It gave me confidence, visibility and access to resources that helped accelerate our outreach efforts,” CJ says, calling it a “turning point.”

“It showed me that if I could make it into that room, I could get into any room,” he adds.

Meeting other Food Heroes and connecting with professionals at Hormel Foods has been invaluable too.

“One connection, in particular, led to an unexpected in-kind donation that supported our annual Giving Bowl event. That moment showed me how powerful relationships can be … it helped me understand that building connections is just as important as building programs.”