Episode 25 – Fighting Hunger: Building Innovative Programs to Serve Communities

Host: May Harris, Esq.

Guest: Tania Marino

“Our mission is to provide food in a welcoming and dignified manner. We value the ability to offer healthy and nutritional food. On every visit, our members are guaranteed access to milk, eggs, fresh proteins, and fresh fruit and vegetables.”

- Tania Marino

In This Episode

How Gather is tackling food insecurity with creative culinary programs and partnerships.

Ending hunger takes more than food—it takes innovation, collaboration, and heart. In this episode, May Harris sits down with Tania Marino of Gather, a food pantry in Portsmouth, NH, serving over 10,000 people through innovative culinary programs and community partnerships. Tania shares how the Seacoast Waste Not coalition repurposes food that would otherwise go to waste, their mobile pantry’s impact, and how volunteers are at the heart of their mission. From feeding children to supporting older adults, Tania’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when communities come together.

Key Takeaways

Insightful moments and lessons from the conversation.

  • How Gather repurposes food through the Seacoast Waste Not coalition.

  • The role of volunteers in providing over 7,500 meals daily.

  • Why relationship-building is crucial for nonprofit program success.

  • Creative ways to tackle food insecurity beyond traditional pantries.

  • How perseverance and partnerships drive community-wide impact.

Guest Bio: Tania Marino

Tania Marino leads Gather’s culinary programs, including Cooking 4 Community, Gather Café at Great Bay Community College, and multiple partnerships supporting food security. After a global career in finance, Tania transitioned into the nonprofit sector, where she combines her passion for food sustainability and community service. Originally from New Zealand, she’s committed to reducing food waste and creating nutritious meals for those in need. When she’s not at Gather, Tania enjoys tennis, scuba diving, and chasing sunshine with her family and friends.

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