By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Prince William Living
Dr. Megan Franco has been nominated for the 2026 Prince William Living Influential Women Awards for her leadership as Executive Director of Northern Virginia Food Rescue, where she has played a pivotal role in addressing food insecurity while reducing food waste across Greater Prince William County.
Since stepping into the executive director role in 2023, Dr. Franco has guided Northern Virginia Food Rescue through a period of significant challenge and transformation. At a time when food insecurity was rising locally, and COVID-era and federal funding streams were ending, the organization faced the very real possibility of closing its doors. Recognizing the critical gap this would leave in the community, Dr. Franco acted quickly and decisively to stabilize operations, reduce costs, diversify funding, and build new partnerships. Her efforts included outreach to individual donors, collaboration with local businesses on fundraising initiatives, engagement with local, state, and federal leaders, and securing additional grant-writing capacity. As a result, Northern Virginia Food Rescue is now financially stable and positioned to expand its impact.
Under her leadership, the organization’s measurable impact has been extraordinary. To date, Northern Virginia Food Rescue has completed more than 48,000 food rescues, redirected over 35 million pounds of food, provided nearly 30 million meals, and mitigated more than 57 million pounds of carbon dioxide by keeping quality food out of landfills. Thousands of local children have also received weekend meals through the organization’s Backpack Program, helping families bridge gaps during the school year.
Dr. Franco’s influence extends beyond operational success. She has increased the organization’s visibility through public speaking, media engagement, and community education, helping residents better understand the intersection of food insecurity, environmental sustainability, and community health. She has also worked to break down silos among organizations focused on hunger, agriculture, and healthy eating. Identifying the absence of a coordinated, countywide effort, she founded the Greater Prince William Food Council, which now convenes monthly to align efforts, share resources, and strengthen food resiliency across the region.
Her commitment to service is reflected in her broader civic involvement. Dr. Franco is a graduate of Leadership Prince William’s Class of 2025, a Prince William Chamber of Commerce member, a coach for Girls on the Run, and the founder of the Greater Prince William Food Council. In each role, she brings the same collaborative, data-informed, and people-centered approach that defines her leadership at Northern Virginia Food Rescue.
Colleagues and board members describe Dr. Franco as a values-driven leader who combines strategic clarity with humility and respect for others. She empowers staff, volunteers, and partners to see themselves as changemakers, creating a culture of trust and shared ownership. Her leadership not only delivers results but also elevates those working alongside her.
Dr. Megan Franco’s nomination recognizes a leader whose work feeds families today while building a more resilient, equitable future for Prince William County. Her vision, persistence, and compassion exemplify what it means to be an Influential Woman in our community.
Join Us in Celebrating Our Nominees
Help us celebrate Dr. Franco and all of the 2026 Prince William Living Influential Women Awards nominees. Reserve your tickets for the Influential Women Awards Celebration at Sweeney Barn on March 5, 2026, and join us in honoring women who are making Greater Prince William a more creative, caring, and connected place. Visit princewilliamliving.com/influential-women for more details and ticket information.
https://princewilliamliving.com/influential-women/
Rebecca Barnes is the Publisher of Prince William Living and the founder of the Influential Women Awards, created to honor women whose leadership, service, and professional accomplishments strengthen the Greater Prince William community. As a business owner, nonprofit leader, and long-standing advocate for local engagement, Rebecca has dedicated more than two decades to spotlighting the people and organizations that make Prince William, Manassas, and Manassas Park thrive. Through her work in media, destination branding, and community partnerships, she continues to amplify stories of impact and ensure that those who give back receive recognition equal to their contribution.
