Ken DeYoung to Receive 2026 Robert D. Ray Iowa SHARES Humanitarian Award

The World Food Prize Foundation has named Ken DeYoung, a farmer and pilot from Laurens, Iowa, as the recipient of the 2026 Robert D. Ray Iowa SHARES Humanitarian Award. DeYoung is recognized for his leadership of GoServ Global, an organization that has provided food security, housing, and healthcare to more than 44,000 individuals across eight countries.

Why is Ken DeYoung receiving the Robert D. Ray Iowa SHARES Humanitarian Award?

The World Food Prize Foundation grants this award to Iowans who demonstrate exceptional service to vulnerable populations. DeYoung’s recognition stems from his global efforts to combat hunger and support communities in need.

He co-founded GoServ Global in 2011. This decision followed his humanitarian relief work in Haiti after the devastating 2010 earthquake.

Did You Know? GoServ Global was launched in 2011 as a direct result of relief work conducted after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

How has GoServ Global impacted global food security and housing?

The organization has scaled its operations to serve eight different countries. Its mission focuses on five core pillars: food security, housing, healthcare, education, and community development.

Concrete results include the deployment of over 500 disaster-resistant housing units. The group also supports medical facilities and schools in Haiti and funds various programs across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

While the focus is global, the organization maintains a domestic presence. It provides disaster relief within the U.S. Upper Midwest.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that DeYoung’s transition from a local farmer and pilot to a global humanitarian leader illustrates a scalable model of service. By leveraging professional skills to build disaster-resistant infrastructure, the organization moves beyond temporary aid toward sustainable community development.

What happens next for the award and organization?

DeYoung is scheduled to be honored at the Iowa Hunger Summit in Des Moines on July 22. This event may serve as a platform to highlight the needs of vulnerable populations.

Looking ahead, GoServ Global could expand its footprint beyond the current eight countries. A possible next step may involve increasing the number of disaster-resistant housing units deployed globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ken DeYoung?

Ken DeYoung is an Iowa native, farmer, and pilot from Laurens, Iowa, who co-founded and leads the humanitarian organization GoServ Global.

What is the scope of GoServ Global’s work?

The organization has served more than 44,000 individuals across eight countries, focusing on food security, housing, healthcare, education, and community development, including the deployment of over 500 disaster-resistant homes.

When will the award ceremony take place?

Ken DeYoung will be honored at the Iowa Hunger Summit in Des Moines on July 22.

How can local professional skills, like farming or piloting, be best leveraged to solve global hunger?