DNO Produce Appoints Marissa Dake as Director of Communications and Public Affairs; Alex DiNovo Comments
COLUMBUS, OH - As food insecurity and limited access to nutritious offerings remain challenges across the nation, DNO Produce has brought on Marissa Dake as its new Director of Communications and Public Affairs to help grow the company’s impact on federal nutrition programs.
“I am thrilled and honored to join DNO in pursuit of a healthier future for all children,” said Dake. “My experiences working and volunteering with food-insecure families showed me firsthand the tremendous difference fresh fruits and vegetables can make. For many kids, school lunch is the only meal they can count on, and I am thrilled to be part of a company so committed to providing nutritious food for school-aged children.”
In her role, Dake will not only expand DNO’s external communications strategies but will also foster relationships with key stakeholders for the wholesale distributor’s presence in federal nutrition programs.
Prior to joining DNO, Dake served as the Topeka Rescue Mission’s Director of Operation Food Secure, a pandemic-era, anti-hunger program. According to a release, during her time with the program, they distributed over four million pounds of rescued food across Northeast Kansas. The recovered food was provided through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.
Before her time with Operation Food Secure, Dake held the role of Policy and Communications Coordinator for Michael Torrey Associates in Washington, DC. The firm deals with government relations, communications, issue advocacy, and association management for clients in the food, agriculture, and forestry sectors.
“We are excited to welcome Marissa to our team,” said Alex DiNovo, President and Chief Operation Officer. “I am confident Marissa’s on-the-ground experience and big-picture expertise with USDA Nutrition Assistance Programs will be a tremendous asset to our growing company. Marissa is a strong communications professional, with outstanding relationships in the food and agriculture industry. Most importantly, she shares a passion for our cause, to provide the highest quality fruits and vegetables in the K-12 space.”
Cheers to Marissa Dake on this new role and her fight against food insecurity!
