“We're tackling the crisis of food insecurity, but we're also tackling this epidemic of disconnection. And we're building bridges and building connections that people are just craving right now.” –Dan Zauderer

What if joy fed more than just the soul? What if it could fill a parking lot with a hundred volunteers, rescue pallets of unpurchased food, and drive it city-wide to families in need?

It’s no fantasy. In the Bronx and Greater New York City, it’s happening.

For Grassroots Grocery founder Dan Zauderer, what started as a single community refrigerator has exploded into a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors, full of genuine fun, memories shared, and countless families fed.

What he’s found? The joy just keeps on growing.

In this episode, Dan shares:

The serendipitous makings of Grassroots Grocery and its growth from a single community refrigerator to a thriving nonprofit
Why he thinks joy and connection are the reason for his volunteer waitlist
How he uses technology to create a more human experience
What he’s learning about boundaries and growth in mutual aid leadership

Find links to resources mentioned and key takeaways in the show notes for this episode: https://www.futurenonprofit.com/dan-zauderer/

*This episode includes a clip from an interview originally aired on the TODAY Show. That content is the property of NBCUniversal Media, LLC and is used here for informational purposes only. For the full segment, click here.

Feeding Community: Dan Zauderer on Multiplying Meals, Connection, & Impact in New York City