Thank you, Dan, for your Passion to Help Others!

Apr12

After settling into a routine of working and going out every night, alcohol became a main focus in Dan Marino’s life. He knew he wanted to change his life around.

When his friends suggested volunteering, Dan found his calling at the Food Bank after seeing a billboard.

“I was basically sort of in this downward cycle of just not taking care of myself,” Dan said. “I wanted to be part of something that was bigger than myself, that was making a difference, and that’s why I chose to keep coming back to the Food Bank,” Dan said.

Working as an assistant general manager at a restaurant, Dan jumped at the opportunity of helping out in the Food Bank's kitchen. His skills and knowledge in the food industry made it easier to adapt. However, the size of the kitchen was a surprise. It was his first time working in a commercial kitchen.

“I had never worked in a kitchen like this. It’s this big, massive, beautiful kitchen,” he said.

In the kitchen, Dan helps prepare hot and cold meals to extend the shelf life of fresh produce and meat. The meals are called Value Added Meals and the Food Bank prepares up to 400 of them each day for Central Texas families.

For Dan, the scale of production was a new experience. He learned first-hand about the challenges of making each meal nutritious and healthy, something that differed from working in a restaurant.

“I liked working in the kitchen, because I’m hands on, I’m on my feet, and food is fun to work with,” he said.

Though Dan began working in the kitchen, he has volunteered in other departments at the Food Bank helping with data entry, mail outs, transcribing and anything in between.

“One of my inspirations in life is learning new things,” Dan said. “When it comes to being here, I know there’s a lot more to learn, and that’s what motivates me that I’m able to work in different departments and just learn.”

With each volunteer shift, Dan helps feed families across Central Texas, but his experience at the Food Bank has had a larger impact in his life.

“I reached an all-time low that caused me to wake up and change my life,” he said. “The Food Bank has been a significant factor in me bettering my life by volunteering and being of service. It's given me a new sense of purpose.”

As part of National Volunteer Appreciation Month, we’d like to recognize Dan for his passion and enthusiasm to help fight hunger. Thank you, Dan, for your amazing work. We couldn’t help families without volunteers like you!