In October 2017, a group of Sioux Falls locals heard something they couldn’t unhear: hundreds of kids in the school district were going without a hot lunch because their families couldn’t afford it. So they did something about it.
What started as a grassroots fundraiser has grown into a full-blown movement. Over the past 7+ years, Hungry Hearts has helped raise and reinvest more than $1.5 million into local kids and families, funding school lunches, backpacks, school supplies, winter coats, activity fees, and emergency support for families who need a hand.
And not a single dollar has gone to salaries, overhead, or admin. Every penny goes straight to the kids.
Since 2017, Hungry Hearts has reinvested $1.5M+ into Sioux Falls kids. 100% volunteer-run. Zero overhead. All heart.
A lot of us at Hungry Hearts have been those kids. Hungry at lunch. Underdressed for the cold. Trying to pay attention in class while carrying worries that no child should have to carry.
That’s not sympathy talking, that’s lived experience. And it’s why we show up year after year, event after event, kid after kid. Because we see ourselves in these kids. And we see our future in them, too.
They’re tomorrow’s leaders, parents, neighbors, and community builders. But before they can become any of that, they need full stomachs, warm coats, and someone in their corner. That’s us.
To ensure every child has access to the meals and basic support they need to learn, grow, and succeed, because no kid should face the school day hungry.
Communities where every child has access to nourishment, opportunity, and the support to reach their full potential, regardless of circumstance.
Born and raised in Sioux Falls, Mark Fonder is a lifelong entrepreneur, business owner, and community advocate with more than 25 years of experience building businesses across South Dakota. Starting his career as an electrician after high school, Mark built his success from the ground up through hard work, determination, and a strong belief in creating opportunities for others.
Over the years, Mark has owned and operated multiple successful businesses, including as many as five restaurants at one time, storage unit facilities, Airbnb properties, and commercial real estate ventures. As the owner of The Barrel House and kRav’N, Mark has become well known for creating welcoming environments centered around hospitality, entertainment, and community involvement.
Despite his business success, Mark never forgot where he came from. Growing up, he experienced firsthand the stigma attached to reduced and free school lunches. Wanting to help eliminate that shame for future generations, Mark co-founded Hungry Hearts alongside Jesse Severson. Their mission is simple but powerful: ensure that no child feels embarrassed or goes hungry because of their family’s financial situation. Through fundraising events, community partnerships, and local outreach, Hungry Hearts has helped support countless children and families throughout South Dakota.
Mark is passionate about giving back whenever he can and believes strongly in using business success as a platform to positively impact the community. Known for his outgoing personality, he enjoys entertaining, bringing people together, and supporting local events and causes.
Outside of work and philanthropy, Mark is an avid sports fan who enjoys following professional sports and staying active.
Recently, he has begun competing in 5K races and is working toward longer-distance running goals. Above all, Mark is most proud of being a father to his 11-year-old daughter, who keeps him active, motivated, and constantly inspired every day.
With more than 30 years in the Sioux Falls hospitality industry, Jesse Severson has built a career centered on leadership, service, and giving back to the community. From working alongside acclaimed chefs to leading restaurant operations and culinary teams, Jesse has developed a passion not only for creating memorable experiences but for using those experiences to make a meaningful impact beyond the kitchen.
As Vice President of Hungry Hearts, a 100% volunteer-driven nonprofit organization, Jesse plays an active role in fundraising, community outreach, partnerships, and advocacy efforts aimed at ensuring children have access to meals and basic necessities. Hungry Hearts and its supporters have helped raise and reinvest more than $1 million locally, supporting school meals, supplies, winter clothing, and emergency assistance for children and families in need throughout South Dakota communities.
Jesse has helped drive signature fundraising initiatives including golf tournaments, BBQ competitions, matching campaigns, and community events supporting childhood hunger initiatives.
Professionally, Jesse serves as Director of Operations for Fonder Properties while also leading culinary and operational initiatives as Executive Chef for The Barrel House and kRav’N. His leadership philosophy is rooted in creating opportunities for others to succeed, fostering strong teams, and building businesses that positively impact the communities they serve.
Above all, Jesse believes that every child deserves access to food, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive, regardless of circumstance.
“Success means little if we aren’t using it to lift others up.”
