Community advocate with deep ties to Kenosha named executive director of Kenosha County Food Bank

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha County Food Bank announced the appointment of Melissa Kaprelian as its new executive director.

Kaprelian’s strong connection to Kenosha and extensive experience in community service represents a unique perspective and deep commitment to serving the people of Kenosha County.

“I spent my formative years in Kenosha and remain strongly connected to the community through my work and service,” she said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Kenosha County Food Bank in its mission to fight hunger and provide hope for those in need.”

“As a parent of a child in Kenosha Unified Schools, I am deeply invested in the well-being of our community,” she added. “Together, we can work towards a future where every person in Kenosha County has access to the healthy food they need to thrive.”

Childhood experiences

In her youth, Kaprelian lived on a farm in Kenosha County, and it was there she experienced the challenges of food insecurity firsthand and the importance of access to nutritious food.

Her mother, a farrier, often bartered her services for animals to sustain the family, instilling in Kaprelian a deep appreciation for self-sufficiency and the value of locally-sourced food.

The Kenosha County Food Bank strives to provide a variety of food options to those in need, and Kaprelian’s background gives her a deep understanding of the role local communities play in ensuring that everyone has access to the sustenance they require.

Throughout her career, Kaprelian has demonstrated a strong dedication to serving the Kenosha community.

As the Business Development Liaison for Kenosha Community Health Center, she worked to improve access to healthcare for underserved communities. She also served as a water educator for students across Racine and Kenosha, teaching the importance of environmental stewardship and the challenges facing coastal communities.

Kaprelian’s commitment to Kenosha extends beyond her professional life. As one of the founding board members of UpTown Kenosha Inc. and a six-year member of the Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency Board, she has consistently prioritized the needs of Kenosha residents and worked to create positive change.

Leadership

Teri Knuese, board president, said Kaprelian brings to the job expertise, leadership and dedication to the non-profit sector as well as Kenosha.

“As a young non-profit, we have remained thoughtful in our operational execution,” she said. “We are truly excited to now take this critical next step in our evolution with the hiring of our executive director.”

Knuese added the move will help ensure KCFB continues to fully serve their clients in Kenosha County.

The Kenosha County Food Bank invites the community to join in its efforts to create a hunger-free Kenosha County. To learn more about how you can support the Kenosha County Food Bank and make a difference in the lives of your neighbors, please visit KenoshaCountyFoodbank.org.

About Kenosha County Food Bank

The Kenosha County Food Bank (KCFB) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting hunger and providing hope for those in need. As the central hub for food distribution in Kenosha County, KCFB partners with local food pantries, community organizations and generous donors to ensure every person in our community has access to nutritious food and the resources they need to build a better life.

Through our collaborative efforts, KCFB distributed 60,513 pounds of food in 2023, making a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals and families in Kenosha County. With the support of our community, we continue to work towards our vision of a hunger-free Kenosha County, where everyone has the opportunity to prosper.