Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Holt.
Hi Zach, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Tan’s Treats was born from both heartbreak and hope.
Our story begins with my brother, Tanner. He was the kind of person who quietly looked for ways to help others. When he was in elementary school, he would often come home hungry. Eventually, our mom discovered that he had been giving his lunch away to a boy who didn’t have one. From that point on, she packed two lunches every day, one for Tanner and one for his friend. That simple act of kindness became a pattern throughout his life. He was always looking for ways to help people around him.
In 2016, Tanner tragically passed way in an accident at just 23 years old. Our family and friends were devastated. As we searched for ways to honor his life and preserve his example for future generations, we kept coming back to the story of those lunches. We realized there was no better way to continue Tanner’s legacy than by helping children who were facing the same challenge he had seen when he was young.
We started Tan’s Treats with a simple goal: to make sure no child goes hungry. Specifically, we wanted to make sure children have food to eat when school meal programs aren’t available. What started as a small effort serving a handful of children has grown into a community-wide movement involving schools, businesses, volunteers, donors, and thousands of children.
Today, every food pack we deliver carries a little piece of Tanner’s legacy. When volunteers pack meals, when donors give, and when children receive food for the weekend, they become part of a story that started with one little boy who saw someone in need and chose to share what he had. That’s what Tan’s Treats is really about—not just feeding children, but inspiring a community to care for one another the way Tanner did.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. Like most worthwhile things in life, the journey has come with its share of challenges.
One of the hardest realities is knowing that the need is often greater than the resources we have available. Every time we learn about another child facing food insecurity, we want to help. There have been moments when we’ve had to make difficult decisions, stretch limited resources, and trust that the community would continue to step forward.
The most amazing part this entire story is that every challenge has been met by people who were willing to help. Whenever we’ve wondered how we were going to meet a need, someone has stepped forward, whether that was a volunteer, a donor, a business, a school, or a family. Those moments remind us that there are so many good people in our community.
There have also been many emotional challenges and rewards. We regularly hear stories from school counselors, teachers, and families about children who are struggling. While those stories can be heartbreaking, they also remind us why this work is important.
I’ll share one short story. While delivering food packs one afternoon, our delivery volunteer was momentarily blocked by a car that pulled in front of them. A woman inside, who was the children’s grandmother, reached out her window, gently took our volunteers hand, and with tears in her eyes said, “God bless you. I pray for you every night. Thank you for helping me feed my babies.”
This moment reminded us exactly why we do this. It’s not just about delivering food, it’s about delivering hope and relief to families who need it most.
As Tan’s Treats has grown, we’ve faced the same challenges many nonprofits experience. It’s often difficult to build sustainable programs, raise funds and recruit volunteers. But with a lot of help, we’ve been able to do that and to ensure that every donation is used responsibly and effectively. Overall, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to witness the community rally around this cause time and time again.
We’ve been impressed with Tan’s Treats, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Tan’s Treats is a 501c3 nonprofit that is dedicated to fighting childhood hunger by ensuring children have access to nutritious, easy-to-prepare food when school meals aren’t available. We partner with schools to provide weekend food packs to students experiencing food insecurity, helping bridge the gap between Friday afternoon and Monday morning.
What sets Tan’s Treats apart is that we don’t just provide food, we build hope and a stronger community. Every food pack is assembled by volunteers who understand they’re doing more than filling a backpack; they’re reminding a child that someone cares. Every donation, whether it’s five dollars or five thousand, is transformed directly into meals for children who need them most.
Our mission is built on the legacy of my brother, Tanner, whose quiet acts of kindness continue to inspire everything we do. Because of that foundation, we’ve always believed that kindness is contagious. When people hear Tanner’s story and learn that childhood hunger exists right here in our own neighborhoods, they want to be part of the solution. That ripple effect of compassion has become one of the greatest blessings of this organization.
While we’re incredibly proud of the number of meals we’ve provided over the years, more than four million to date, we’re even more proud of the community that has formed around this mission. Thousands of volunteers, generous donors, caring businesses, dedicated schools, and compassionate families have chosen to stand together and say that no child should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from.
If there’s one thing we’d want your readers to know, it’s this: childhood hunger is closer than most people realize, but so is the opportunity to make a difference. Every volunteer, every donation, and every act of kindness helps write the next chapter of Tanner’s legacy. Together, we’re proving that one simple act of generosity can change a child’s life.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Absolutely. Lifelong learning is so important. There are many books and podcasts that are influential in our operation, but beyond those books and podcasts, some of my greatest teachers have been the volunteers, school counselors, donors, and families we work with. Hearing their stories continually reminds me how good people are and want to be. It keeps me focused on serving people rather than simply running an organization.
One of the great benefits of what we do is that we associate with thousands of those incredible people every year. They have good hearts and experiences that provide intuitive ideas and solutions. We often receive brilliant ideas and feedback from community members that help us solve problems and better understand how to improve the operation.
When it comes to programs, groups or resources, we often utilize Non-Profit Learning Lab, Network for Good and reach out for regional support from businesses like JustServe, and business groups like The Caddy Group.
Honestly, people are the best part of what we do. The people make this all possible. The people teach us and help us get better. It’s all about people helping other people.
Pricing:
- $10/month feeds one hungry child for the month.
- $520 feeds one hungry child for a full year.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tanstreats.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanstreats
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TansTreatsInc
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tanstreats5487
