By Mandy Tucker and Dottie Kreps, Soup Kitchen of Muncie Board members—
MUNCIE, IN — The Soup Kitchen of Muncie (SKM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Emily B. Hayes as its new Executive Director. A mission-driven nonprofit leader with extensive experience in food access, community partnerships, sustainability, and program management, Dr. Hayes brings a deep commitment to advancing dignity, equity, and food security throughout the Muncie community.
Dr. Hayes joins The Soup Kitchen with a strong background in nonprofit operations and food systems leadership. Most recently, she served as Program Coordinator for the Muncie Food Hub Partnership, where she managed key initiatives including a Mobile Farmers Market, produce donation programs, and partnerships with local farms. She also led grant writing, budgeting, and program development efforts aimed at strengthening food access across the region.
“Emily’s leadership, vision, and passion for community-based solutions make her an outstanding fit for The Soup Kitchen of Muncie,” said Mandy Tucker, member of the Board of Directors. “Her experience in food systems and her dedication to serving others will help us deepen our impact and continue meeting the needs of our community.”
In addition to her nonprofit experience, Dr. Hayes serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor at Ball State University in the School of Environment, Atmosphere, and Sustainability, where she teaches courses including Sustainable Food Systems. Her academic work focuses on the intersection of environmental sustainability, community resilience, and food access.
Dr. Hayes has also been deeply involved in local community initiatives, serving as a community garden coordinator and urban farm leader while overseeing volunteer programs, food production, and community education efforts. These experiences reflect her hands-on approach to addressing food insecurity and building resilient local food systems.
She earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from Ball State University in December 2025, with a concentration in the human dimensions of natural resources. She also holds both a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Geology from Ball State.
“I am honored and energized by the incredibly strong foundation I have been gifted as the newly appointed Executive Director of The Soup Kitchen of Muncie,” said Dr. Hayes. “I am deeply grateful to the dedicated Board of Directors and the remarkable team at SKM for providing a streamlined pathway for success from day one. My first week has shown me just how compassionate, coordinated, and committed this organization is to serving our community.”
Board President Dottie Kreps expressed confidence in the organization’s future under Dr. Hayes’ leadership.
“Emily brings an energy to The Soup Kitchen that will help lead our board, staff, volunteers, and community partners into our next chapter,” Kreps said. “With the recent addition of Kitchen
Manager Michael Heskett and our incredible group of volunteers, the Soup Kitchen is well-positioned to expand its impact and strengthen its mission.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Hayes emphasized the importance of honoring the organization’s legacy while building for the future.
“As I step into this role, I take the legacy that the founding members and this team have built very seriously,” she said. “I am encouraged to move forward alongside our passionate volunteers and community partners, ensuring that we continue to feed our neighbors with dignity, compassion, and care.”
As Executive Director, Dr. Hayes will oversee daily operations, lead strategic initiatives, strengthen community partnerships, and guide The Soup Kitchen’s mission of providing nourishment, hospitality, and hope to those in need.
“I am honored to serve alongside our neighbors, volunteers, staff, and supporters as we continue this important work together,” Hayes said.
About The Soup Kitchen of Muncie
The Soup Kitchen of Muncie is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free meals in a welcoming and respectful environment. Through the support of volunteers, donors, and community partners, SKM serves thousands of meals annually and works to address food insecurity while fostering hope and connection throughout the community.
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