The Builders Movement is a community organization that has worked with renowned humanitarians like Chef José Andrés and Dr. Bernice A. King. Partnering with organizations like the Bay Area Rescue Mission, the Builders Movement empowers local citizens to address food insecurity and housing affordability from the ground up.
And on November 30, philanthropist and KIND CEO Daniel Lubetzky welcomed a new “Builder” to the fold.
“Today I’m meeting a community leader who’s feeding the homeless, but here’s the twist — he’s 13 years old,” Lubetzky said in an Instagram video. “An amazing kid, Dan.”
In early 2025, Dan began sharing cooking videos on social media. Four months in, he pivoted away from recipes and tips to something that became the heart of his platform: making home-cooked meals for people experiencing homelessness.
After cooking dishes like bolognese, mac and cheese, and Mongolian beef, Dan goes to local shelters — and up to people on the street — and asks two questions, “How are you?” and “Would you like some food?”
In less than a year, Dan gained more than half a million followers across TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. In his holiday video with Lubetzky, the two handed out carne asada burritos, salad, and water to people living on the streets of New York City.
“It turns out he’s a true Builder,” Lubetzky said. “Someone who sees the humanity in everyone and brings real light into the world, all at just 13 years old.”
A version of this article originally appeared in the 2026 Home Edition of the Goodnewspaper.
Header image via Dancooking7 / Instagram
