Welcome, Amar!
Team Lovin’ recently added an Operations Director. Get to know Amar Tanna in this Q&A.
How did you arrive at Lovin’ Spoonfuls? Tell us a little bit about what you were doing before you got here and why you decided this was the next career move for you!
I have always had a passion for understanding and solving problems, which led me down the path to Supply Chain and Operations. Personally, a common thread throughout my life has been supporting local organizations/non-profits in any way I’m able to do so and, now, I am excited to be able to do this in a professional capacity. I am also a foodie at heart with a passion for Last Mile/Delivery, so naturally Lovin’ Spoonfuls was a great fit for the next chapter in my career!
How did you become interested in food rescue?
Food insecurity is something I was exposed to at an early age with many around me in my neighborhood not always having access to enough healthy food. My mother was a big proponent of making fresh and nutritious meals daily and ensuring that waste was minimized. Her ability to have the willingness, strength, and creativity to cook delicious meals daily for a family of five always amazed me!
What skills/passions do you bring to the job (that may or may not be relevant to what you do every day)?
First and foremost, I am passionate about helping others, food, and building relationships. I also thrive off innovation and continuous improvement. I am a lifelong learner, who strongly believes that there are always opportunities to learn a new skill or build a capability. I hope to leverage these passions to help Lovin’ Spoonfuls grow the operation and enable the organization to continue the mission of driving down and eliminating food insecurity across Massachusetts and, eventually, the rest of the country. I believe that everybody has the right to be able to know where their next meal is coming from and have access to nutritious food. My other side hustles include: fitness, sports, listening to podcasts, meditation, travel, and spending time with loved ones.
Do you cook and, if so, what’s your signature recipe?
I do cook, but by no means would I consider myself proficient. I recently became gluten-free so have had to get creative! My signature dish is actually a fusion cuisine combining elements from both Indian and Mexican cooking, which I call, Rajma Tacos. I’ve been cooking up plenty of creative dishes recently and my family is always excited to see what I come up with next!
What would we find in your fridge right now?
Lots of different items! My family and I like to eat different cuisines, different veggies and fruits, and at the end of the week, enjoy yummy smoothies or stir fry’s with whatever is left over. The most interesting things are chocolate (yes, cold chocolate is awesome sauce!) and, moving from sweet to spicy, multiple kinds of hot sauces!
What’s your favorite childhood food memory?
It is difficult to single one out as I have had so many! I was born and raised in Toronto and had the pleasure of sampling foods from so many different cultures, but I think my love for food began in my home. My mom is an excellent cook who made a variety of dishes for us growing up, did it with such love, and really set the bar high!
Who are your heroes?
I have many heroes but the one that impacts my life on a daily basis is my wife. The level of selflessness, thoughtfulness, care, and her ability to empower others is something that I admire. She has accomplished a great deal in her life, all while thinking and giving so much of herself to her family and friends. What’s remarkable is that she does all of this with such grace and positive energy!