Ep 25 - Program Development in Social Service Nonprofits

Welcome to The Nonprofit Counsel podcast, hosted by May Harris, Esq.. In today's episode, we are honored to feature Tania Marino, a dedicated leader at Gather, a food pantry serving over 10,000 people in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Tania spearheads Gather's innovative culinary programs, which address the pressing issue of food shortages and the challenge of providing nutritious meals to those who cannot afford them. Gather's impact extends beyond the traditional pantry, with a mobile unit, innovative programs, and market reaching even more people in need. Tania shares her journey in this inspiring conversation, the incredible work done through the Seacoast Waste Not coalition, and the powerful relationships that have fueled their success. From feeding children to supporting older adults, Gather's story is a testament to the power of community and perseverance.

 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:49] May describes how she and Tania know each other and their mutual connection to the USA rugby program

• [2:00] Tania shares how she became involved with the women’s rugby team, and she points out they had the only female coach at the Paris Olympic games

• [5:40] Gather was founded over 200 years ago in New Hampshire. Tania describes the food shortage problem and how they aim to meet the needs

• [13:36] It takes three kitchens where food is repurposed, which are run by staff, but volunteers are a necessity, and she explains how the Seacoast Waste Not coalition works

• [16:47] Tania reflects that much of their success is through relationship building, and she states when there are naysayers, you should never give up

• [21:56] Tania shares her journey in becoming involved with Gather

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Through the Seacoast Waste Not coalition, food is gathered from a number of sources that will throw out food at the end of the day. Now Gather distributes food that would have otherwise been wasted. 

• Gather serves 7,500 meals daily, and 93% of those meals are donated food. 

• Gather is supported by volunteers who give their time and energy to feed the hungry nutritious meals. 

 

RESOURCES:

For Profit Law Group - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram

Nonprofit Counsel - Linkedin

Gather - Website

Tania Marino - LinkedIn

 

BIOGRAPHIES:

May Harris has been a pioneer of nonprofit law practice for over a decade, having founded For Purpose Law Group in April 2012. She serves the nation's nonprofit sector with unparalleled expertise, prioritizing her clients' missions, visions, and values. She specializes in nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, social enterprise and business law, estate planning and charitable giving.

 

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: 

Tania leads Gather’s culinary programs: Cooking 4 Community (C4C), the Gather Café at Great Bay Community College, Gather Café catering, and the UNH Project. She joined the Gather team in 2019 after volunteering in the cooking program for two years. She studied economics at the University of Auckland and worked globally in international finance as a financial analyst and currency trader before transitioning to the nonprofit sector as a board member and direct service volunteer.

Growing up on a farm in New Zealand, food has always been central to Tania’s life. She has always been interested in food sustainability around the world, and her passion for entertaining fuels her desire to create delicious and nutritious meals that support the environment and reduce food insecurity. Outside of work, Tania enjoys playing and coaching tennis, scuba diving, having fun with family and friends, and following the sunshine to faraway spots!