July 26, 2022 – Marvin Green would not leave work hungry.
That makes sense, as “work” was smoking and grilling pounds upon pounds of brisket, ribs, tri-tip and chicken—and taste tasting is a key part of quality control.
“Work” merits the quote marks because it’s not so much a job for Green as it is a labor of love, and one he evolved into a business amid COVID, as Edible reported in February. (He’s since parted ways with Urban Kitchen.)
Since he was feeling full, he would keep an eye out for someone to share the meal he packed for himself.
On his route home he’d inevitably spot a houseless individual and offer them something to dent their hunger.
He started studying up on hunger levels locally, learning from the Food Bank for Monterey County that a quarter of adults in Monterey County—and a third of kids—don’t have access to steady nutrition.
That got him to thinking: How might he find partners to help underwrite feeding the underfed?
“We’ve got lots of money in this area and we’ve got lots of good food,” he says. “I know this sounds ridiculous, but there’s enough money in the area to pay me to feed those in need.”
It all led him to reinvent his barbecue business, even as he returned to working full-time, reporting on education for theSalinas Californian.
He describes Marv’s 2.0 as a split between two identities: 1) regular pop-ups at destinations like newborn Hacienda Kitchen and Acme Coffee; and 2) free community barbecues to serve the underserved.
One such cookout materializes noon-4pm Aug. 6 at Seaside Salvation Army at 1491 Contra Costa Avenue.
While Green preps meals for anyone in search of a hot meal, a DJ spins, Food Bank for Monterey County distributes boxes of sustenance, and a range of nonprofits hosts tables that present what they do to support the area’s vulnerable populations.
“We’re going to cook and connect,” Green says.
He originally wanted to hatch his own nonprofit to pursue that cook-and-connect mission.
His research revealed there were plenty of existing organizations already operating in that space, and it would be more functional to collaborate with them.
So Green started reaching out to each one he could uncover, including Al Siekert of Al and Friends, with whom he’ll prepare food for the needy Aug. 14.
“I’m out here, [and] I have energy, time and equipment,” Green says. “In my heart, I’ve never felt so confident I’m doing the right thing.”
More at Marv’s Barbecue Instagram feed.
About the author
Mark C. Anderson, EMB's managing editor and "Found Treasures" columnist, welcomes responsible and irresponsible feedback. Correspond via mark@ediblemontereybay.com.
