Diana Messett, of Mount Airy, was recently recognized for her work fighting hunger in Montgomery County.

The information security and technology acquisition manager at Sodexo, an organization that works to end hunger in the United States, was recognized as a Hero of Everyday Life at the 13th Annual Sodexo Foundation Dinner in Washington, D.C., June 14. Messett received a $5,000 grant, presented in her name to the hunger-relief charity of her choice, Manna Food Center.

As a direct result of Messett's work, 160,600 kid-friendly nutritious food items were donated to Manna Food Center during Sodexo Servathon events, and 21,000 backpacks have gone to students who might otherwise go hungry on weekends and during school breaks, according to a press release from the foundation,

Since 2007, her leadership in helping fight hunger in Montgomery County has increased volunteer participation, food donations and Smart Sacks distributions — a local backpack food program for children. She has also logged more than 1,700 volunteer hours.