Meet Rodney Lyles | Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rodney Lyles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rodney, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind starting Feeding Kids by Faith Inc. is rooted in a deep-seated desire to address a glaring need in our community – to provide more than just sustenance for the bodies of our children, but positive nourishment for their spirits as well. We believe that a hot meal has the power to open hearts and ears, creating a space where meaningful connections and guidance can flourish. In my previous work with youth, I saw firsthand the limitations of relying solely on pre-packaged meals. While these filled immediate physical needs, they lacked the warmth and care that comes with a home-cooked meal shared in community. There is a stirring in my heart, a sense that God is using us to create a program that feeds children both physically, spiritually, and mentally. The concept was simple yet powerful: a hot meal shared with love, encouragement, and inspiration could be the key to reaching a child’s heart. If we could provide more than just a meal, if we could create a space where kids felt seen, heard, and valued, we could earn the right to speak into their lives in meaningful ways. Starting Feeding Kids by Faith Inc. was not just about addressing childhood hunger, though that is a crucial part. It is about creating a ministry where food is a tool, a way to build relationships and share the love of God with the children in our care. It is about providing more than a meal, but a sense of belonging and a glimpse of their inherent worth and potential. From the beginning, we knew this would be a faith-driven endeavor. I believe God placed this vision in my heart, and we have seen His Hand guiding and providing every step of the way. As we have grown and been able to serve more and more children, we have been continually reminded that this is not just our mission, but a part of a larger work God is doing in the lives of these precious children. In the end, the thought process behind starting Feeding Kids by Faith Inc. is about obedience – obedience to a call I felt from God, and obedience to the belief that a hot meal prepared and shared with love can be a powerful tool for transformation in the lives of children. It is our Prayer that through this organization, we can play a small part in helping each child we serve understand their value, both to us and to God.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As the Executive Director of Feeding Kids by Faith Inc., my Faith in God is the foundation of everything I do. It’s not just what sets me apart, it’s what makes me, me. Seeing the smile on a child’s face when they enjoy a meal or experience something new that brings them joy is what fills my heart with pride. Knowing that our work is making a difference in their lives is the greatest reward. My journey to where I am today was guided by my Faith, the wisdom of my Mother Marian Henderson, and a relentless commitment to our mission. It wasn’t always easy. There were challenges and setbacks along the way. But I learned that with persistence and an unwavering refusal to give up, we can overcome any obstacle. My Faith in Jesus has been the rock that has carried me through even the toughest times. The lessons I’ve learned along the way are countless. But perhaps the most important is the power of Faith, community, and determination. When we come together with a shared vision and the belief that we can make a difference, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. At Feeding Kids by Faith Inc., we want the world to know that child hunger is a solvable problem. Through the collective power of our Faith and our unrelenting commitment to our mission, we can abolish child food insecurity in the USA. We invite everyone to join us in this critical work. Together, we can ensure that no child has to suffer the pain of hunger. With Faith, Love, and determination, we can create a world where every child has access to the hot nutritious food they need to thrive.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Arrival and Getting Settled My friend arrives in Pittsburgh, and we start the adventure! First things first, we need to get settled. I’ve booked us a room at the historic Omni William Penn Hotel. This place has class and is right in the heart of downtown. After checking in, we’ll head over to Primanti Bros. for lunch. This Pittsburgh staple has been serving up sandwiches with the coleslaw and fries piled high since 1933. My friend needs to try one of these legendary sandwiches to get a true taste of the city.
Day 2: Football and Faith
It’s time to show my friend why Pittsburgh is so passionate about its Steelers! We’re going to catch a game at Acrisure Stadium. The energy of the crowd, the stunning views of the city skyline…this is an experience my friend will never forget. Before the game, we’ll grab some breakfast at Pamela’s Diner. This place has been featured on Man v. Food, and their hotcakes are a must-try. After the game, we’ll head back to the hotel to relax a bit before heading out to explore the Strip District. This lively neighborhood is filled with street vendors, ethnic shops, and restaurants. We’ll grab some dinner at one of the many great spots.
Day 3: History and Culture
Today, we’re going to dive into Pittsburgh’s rich history and culture. First, we’ll visit the Senator John Heinz History Center. This museum showcases Western Pennsylvania’s history, and there’s something for everyone. Next, we’ll head to the Andy Warhol Museum. As the largest museum in the United States dedicated to a single artist, this is a must-visit for any art lover. For lunch, we’ll head to the nearby Mattress Factory, a contemporary art museum and sculpture garden. They have a great cafe on site. In the evening, we’ll catch a show at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture. This center celebrates the legacy of August Wilson, one of Pittsburgh’s most famous playwrights.
Day 4: Outdoor Adventures
Pittsburgh is a city of outdoor enthusiasts, and today we’re going to get outside and explore! First, we’ll head to Frick Park, a 644-acre green oasis in the heart of the city. We’ll hike some of the trails and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Next, we’ll take a ride on the Duquesne Incline for stunning views of the city skyline. For lunch, we’ll head to the nearby Station Square, where we’ll grab some food at one of the many great restaurants. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. These stunning gardens feature beautiful plants and flowers from around the world.
Day 5: Neighborhoods and Nightlife
Today, we’re going to explore some of Pittsburgh’s unique neighborhoods. First, we’ll head to Oakland, home to the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. We’ll visit the stunning Cathedral of Learning, the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere. Next, we’ll head to Shadyside, a trendy neighborhood filled with boutiques, restaurants, and bars. We’ll grab some lunch at one of the many great spots. In the evening, we’ll head to the South Side, a lively neighborhood known for its nightlife. We’ll grab some dinner and check out some of the bars and clubs.
Day 6: Faith and Community
As the Executive Director of Feeding Kids by Faith Inc., I’m passionate about giving back to the community. Today, we’re going to volunteer at the East End Cooperative Ministry, a local non-profit that provides food, clothing, and other essential services to those in need. Giving back to the community is a great way to experience the true heart of a city. After volunteering, we’ll head to the nearby Bloomfield neighborhood, known as Pittsburgh’s Little Italy. We’ll grab some lunch at one of the many great Italian restaurants. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the nearby St. Anthony’s Chapel, a beautiful historic church that’s home to a stunning collection of relics.
Day 7: Departure
Our week-long adventure has come to an end. After checking out of the hotel, we’ll head to the airport. I know my friend has had an amazing time experiencing all that Pittsburgh has to offer. From the football to the faith, the history to the culture, the outdoor adventures to the nightlife, Pittsburgh is a city that has something for everyone. I can’t wait to plan our next adventure!
This itinerary provides a mix of activities that showcase the best of Pittsburgh. From catching a Steelers game to volunteering in the community, exploring museums to hiking in the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone. Pittsburgh is a city that is full of life, energy, and a strong sense of community. I know my friend will have an unforgettable experience in this amazing city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The person I want to dedicate my shoutout to is my incredible mother. Without her selfless example, her unwavering dedication to giving and serving others, Feeding Kids by Faith Inc. would never have been born. My mother’s spirit of generosity and compassion ignited a fire in me that continues to drive our mission to this day. I vividly remember accompanying my mother to the food pantries, confused as we spent hours in line, not to feed our own family, but to gather goods and supplies for those in our community who were struggling. We didn’t need the food, but others did, and that was all that mattered to her. Her kindness, her willingness to sacrifice time and energy to uplift those around her, left an indelible mark on my heart. My mother is a nurse, a single parent to three rambunctious boys, and yet she still found the strength and love to adopt her sister’s four children when they needed her. She was, and will always be, my definition of a true superhero. Her passing on August 27, 2023, left a gaping hole in my life, but her legacy lives on through every child we feed, every family we support. Everything we do with Feeding Kids by Faith Inc. is in hopes of making her proud. Her memory is my “why”, my north star that guides me forward. I aspire to emulate her amazingness, to capture just a glimmer of her incredible light and reflect it back out into the world. My mother may no longer be with me physically, but her spirit permeates every aspect of this organization. This shoutout is just a small testament to the immense impact she had on my life and the lives of those we serve.

Website: https://www.fkfmeals.org

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Image Credits
Rodney Lyles