From Iowa Farmer to Global Humanitarian: Ken DeYoung to Receive 2026 Robert D. Ray Iowa SHARES Humanitarian Award

The World Food Prize Foundation announced today that Ken DeYoung will receive the 2026 Robert D. Ray Iowa SHARES Humanitarian Award in recognition of his extraordinary leadership in confronting hunger and alleviating human suffering in communities across Guatemala, Haiti, India, Kenya, Liberia, Peru and beyond.

"Ken DeYoung embodies the compassion, perseverance and servant leadership that define the Robert D. Ray Iowa SHARES Humanitarian Award," said Mashal Husain, President, World Food Prize Foundation. "What began with a response to a humanitarian crisis evolved into a long-term commitment to helping communities thrive. Through his vision and determination, thousands of children and families have gained access to food, education, healthcare and opportunity. DeYoung's work reflects Iowa's enduring tradition of humanitarian leadership and global engagement, a legacy Governor Ray championed throughout his life. I have no doubt he would be proud to see that legacy carried forward through Ken's service today."

Growing up on a farm outside of Laurens, Iowa, DeYoung is a farmer, pilot, community leader and co-founder of GoServ Global who transformed a lifetime of service into a global humanitarian movement. His commitment to helping others began as an Angel Flight pilot, volunteering his aircraft and time to transport critically ill patients and individuals in need of medical care.

In January 2010, as DeYoung and his family prepared for a vacation to the Bahamas, Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake that left hundreds of thousands dead and millions in need of assistance. Moved by the unfolding humanitarian crisis, DeYoung changed course. Instead of vacationing, he joined relief efforts and used his aviation experience to help transport critical medical supplies into Haiti.

During one of those missions, he met Eddy Constant, a Haitian leader caring for 15 orphaned girls whose futures had been thrown into uncertainty by the disaster.

That encounter would change the course of DeYoung's life.

Motivated by the urgent needs he witnessed, DeYoung partnered with missionary Terry Baxter and others to establish GoServ Global in 2011. What began as an effort to support orphaned children in Haiti soon grew into a multifaceted humanitarian organization dedicated to addressing hunger, poverty and community development around the world.

Since its founding, GoServ Global has served more than 44,000 individuals across eight countries, supported by more than 475 volunteers and $3.39 million in annual funding. Central to its model is empowering local leadership, enabling communities to build long-term resilience and independence.

"When I began flying medical supplies into Haiti following the 2010 earthquake, I encountered poverty in a deeply personal way," said DeYoung. "It prompted a question that stayed with me: What can I do to make a difference? As a farmer in northwest Iowa, how could I respond to the overwhelming needs of a hurting world? Once our basic needs are met - a roof over our heads, food on the table and our families cared for - we are left to consider a greater purpose. Why are we here? How can we impact lives not only for today but for eternity? These questions continually weighed on my heart."

Under DeYoung's leadership, GoServ Global helped establish multiple community centers in southwest Haiti to provide safe housing, nutritious meals, clean water, quality education and healthcare services to thousands annually.

A hallmark of the organization's work has been the deployment of more than 500 Safe T Home® units, durable housing structures developed by Iowa's Sukup Manufacturing, that provide protection from hurricanes, earthquakes and other environmental threats. Today, GoServ Global-supported communities in Haiti include schools serving more than 3,000 students, a hospital and medical clinic, a dental clinic, a birthing center and agricultural projects that help strengthen local food security.

"By God's grace, I have been blessed to play a small role in witnessing the life-changing work of GoServ Global," DeYoung said. "Time and again, I have seen the Lord use this ministry to bring hope and transformation to people in remarkable ways. I am both humbled and honored to receive the Iowa SHARES Award from the World Food Prize Foundation. My prayer is that this recognition will open even more doors to share Christ's love by meeting needs, serving others and making a difference in communities across Iowa and around the world."

The organization's impact extends far beyond Haiti. GoServ Global supports schools and community programs in Guatemala, India and Peru while responding to humanitarian needs in Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Tanzania and Uganda. The same year GoServ Global began its international work, northwest Iowa was hit by devastating tornadoes, prompting DeYoung to help establish the domestic disaster response arm of the organization, which continues to provide assistance across the Upper Midwest region of the United States.

"Ken's work demonstrates that lasting humanitarian impact is achieved not only through generosity, but through investing in people and leadership," said Tom Vilsack, CEO, World Food Prize Foundation. "His commitment to helping communities build a better future for themselves reflects the values Governor Ray championed throughout his life."

The Robert D. Ray Iowa SHARES Humanitarian Award was established by the World Food Prize Foundation in 2013 to honor former Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray on his 85th birthday and to recognize Iowans who demonstrate exceptional humanitarian leadership. The award is named for the Iowa SHARES campaign - "Iowa Sends Help to Aid Refugees and End Starvation" - which Governor Ray launched in 1979 to provide food, medicine and volunteer assistance to refugees fleeing Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge genocide. The award recognizes individuals whose work reflects Governor Ray's legacy of compassion, leadership and service to vulnerable populations.

DeYoung will be formally recognized during the 2026 Iowa Hunger Summit in Des Moines on July 22, 2026, where he will join a distinguished group of past recipients whose work has strengthened communities and improved lives both in Iowa and around the world.