We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Dinan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
12 years ago, I moved to NYC to pursue a career in the arts. Walking through the city each day, I found myself distraught by the city’s high rates of homelessness. I had met a man who was sleeping in a shelter near Union Square, and his story inspired me. He was a father of 2, lost his job, and was trying to do all he could to support his children. I had a conversation with my sister, sharing with her what had happened, and how this man’s strength and faith inspired me. She said to me, “Erin, why don’t you use your camera as a tool for change?” It was an “aha” moment. Perhaps, I could document stories similar to this man’s; stories that showed the human spirit, resilience, and also stories that addressed misconceptions surrounding homelessness. So I said a prayer and asked for guidance. One night, I was catching in a train in Grand Central and met a man who was hungry. I had just purchased a sandwich and shared the sandwich with him. The look on his face is something I still can still visualize to this day. I recognized that we can all make a difference with the simplest of actions. I may not be able to do much, but I can help another make it to his or her next meal. So I started packing sandwiches and giving them to people I met. I met some incredible people.

I told my friends about my “sandwich project”, and they supported it. We started gathering together to make and deliver sandwiches to those in need. My friend George gave me the idea of creating a nonprofit, and together, we formed One Sandwich at a Time (I credit him for naming it!). We now partner with schools, companies, and our own community to make and deliver sandwiches to local pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, and those living on the streets. To date, we have provided sandwiches to over 500,000 New Yorkers in need. We say it is the simple action of making a sandwich that carries a greater impact. It is more than a sandwich; it is hope and love.

It is estimated that nearly 1.5 million New Yorkers currently experience food insecurity, including one in four children (analysis by Feeding America). Visits to New York City food pantries and soup kitchens are up 68% in 2022. A sandwich can serve as someone’s meal. It can provide comfort and hope.

I still have yet to create my photojournalism project, but I am proud of the work that we do at One Sandwich at a Time. I have seen firsthand the difference that can be made in someone’s day, and it keeps me moving forward with the work that we do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It has definitely been a challenging yet rewarding to get where we are! One Sandwich at a Time started as an idea that I had after sharing a sandwich with a man in Grand Central. It took a lot of hard work and courage to spread the idea of making meals for those in need; that we can make a change when we come together as a community. And we have grown in a very organic way. I am most proud of this. We have received support from friends, family, our community here in NYC and this has been our reason for growth and impact. Without our community, we would not be able to do what we do. I am forever grateful for the support of our volunteers.

Regarding OSAAT and what I have learned in this journey: I would want the world to know that it doesn’t take much to impact the life of another. We can make a difference in someone’s day with the simplest of actions. That love and hope is something we all share in our journey here, and that we are more connected than we may realize in this world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite museum is the Museum of Natural History! I could spend all day in there. It’s nice because it’s right along Central Park so when you are done, you can walk through the park. I also love walking the High Line. Having once lived in Chelsea, my favorite bakery is Sullivan Street Bakery. And to those visiting NYC, please join us to make sandwiches at one of our Sandwich Making Events!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother, father, and sister for inspiring me with their strength and courage. Since the founding of OSAAT, they have been continuously supportive of my journey, and I thank God for them everyday. They’ve always believed in me. Additionally, my friend George, who founded One Sandwich at a Time with me, and has always believed in its mission. My friends, who made sandwiches with me in our early days, and shared my vision with their own communities. And, our incredible volunteers. They continue to show up to serve others, spreading hope and love to New Yorkers experiencing very challenging moments in life. All of these people are the reasons behind the founding and growth of One Sandwich at a Time. I will always be grateful to these people for their support, love, and encouragement.

Website: www.onesandwichatatime.org

Instagram: @onesandwichatatime

Facebook: www.facebook.com/onesandwichatatime

Other: our email is: onesandwichatatime@gmail.com

Image Credits
The photo of me is taken by JD Urban. The rest of the group photos do not need any photo credits.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.