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Ep 25 - Empowering Communities Through Food

May sat down with Tania Marino, the Culinary Director of Gather, a nonprofit organization based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Tania has dedicated her career to addressing food insecurity and sustainability. Listen in as May and Tania discuss food accessibility, innovative public service strategies, and the foundations of program development.

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In the latest installment of The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, May sat down with Tania Marino, the Culinary Director of Gather, a nonprofit organization based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Tania has dedicated her career to addressing food insecurity and sustainability. Listen in as May and Tania discuss food accessibility, innovative public service strategies, and the foundations of program development.

What is Gather?

Gather is one of the oldest social service agencies in the United States, founded over 200 years ago by the wives of fishermen who sought to support their families while their husbands were at sea. Today, Gather continues to honor its origins by focusing on providing access to nutritious food for those in need.

In New Hampshire, food insecurity is a pressing issue. Over 50% of children and nearly 45% of adults face food shortages, a problem exacerbated by rising food prices and the reduction of pandemic-related safety nets. Gather has stepped in to address this crisis, serving over 10,000 people in just the last four months alone.

Innovations in Service

At the heart of Gather’s operations is its pantry market, which is more than just a food pantry. Resembling a small supermarket, it offers a welcoming and dignified environment where members can shop for fresh, nutritious food. Unlike many other food pantries, Gather ensures that all members have access to essential items like milk, eggs, proteins, and fresh produce on every visit.

The organization also understands that transportation can be a barrier for many, so they take food to the people who need it most through innovative mobile markets, including "Gus the Bus," a retrofitted bus that brings fresh food to nine local towns.

Culinary Programs at Gather

Marino’s role at Gather goes beyond overseeing the distribution of food; she is also the driving force behind the organization’s culinary programs. These programs are split into two main categories, with the flagship initiative being “Cooking for Community,” a food rescue program that turns donated food into fully prepared, nutritious meals. Every day, Gather’s volunteers transform surplus food into 7,500 ready-to-eat meals, which are then distributed to the community. This program is not only about feeding people but also about reducing food waste, keeping hundreds of thousands of pounds of food out of landfills each year, and making a significant impact on the environment.

Collaboration for Organizational Success

Gather's commitment to community is further exemplified by its partnerships with local food providers through the Seacoast Waste Not coalition. This collaboration with restaurants, caterers, and food distributors has dramatically increased the amount of food Gather can provide, with 93% of the food used in their meals coming from donations. The culinary team, supported by dedicated volunteers, works tirelessly to ensure that every meal is both delicious and healthy, benefiting everyone from seniors to children and working parents, and the unsheltered population.

How Does One Get Into This Field?

Marino’s journey to Gather is as unique as the organization itself. Originally from New Zealand, she developed a passion for food on her family’s farm, which she carried with her through a career in international finance. Eventually settling in New Hampshire, she sought ways to give back to her community and found her calling at Gather. What started with baking banana bread in a church kitchen has evolved into a full-scale operation that not only feeds the hungry but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Anne Hayes and a team of dedicated directors, Marino has helped shape Gather into a model of what a nonprofit can achieve when it combines passion, innovation, and a deep commitment to its mission. As Marino reflects on her work, she feels that every aspect of her life has led her to this role, where she can use her love of cooking, business acumen, and dedication to service to make a lasting impact on her community.

For Marino, the success of Gather is a testament to the power of community. By building strong relationships and fostering collaboration, Gather serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that when people come together, they can create meaningful change.

Final Thoughts

Tania Marino's work with Gather is a powerful reminder of how one person's passion can ignite change within a community. Her journey, from baking in a church kitchen to leading a comprehensive food service operation, illustrates the profound impact of combining culinary expertise with a deep commitment to social service. Gather's innovative approach to addressing food insecurity, coupled with Marino & Hayes’ leadership, showcases the potential for community-driven solutions to create lasting, positive change. As Gather continues to grow and adapt, it remains a shining example of what can be achieved when people unite around a common cause.

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