Most 13-year-olds are busy trying to beat the next level in a video game or, you know, just existing. But then there's Dan. He's not just existing; he's cooking up a storm, racking up half a million followers, and feeding his unhoused neighbors.
Initially, Dan started sharing cooking videos in early 2025 (yes, he's a bit of a time traveler, or perhaps a very early adopter). But after just four months, he decided his culinary talents were better spent making home-cooked meals for people experiencing homelessness.
So, while others are perfecting their TikTok dances, Dan is perfecting bolognese, mac and cheese, and Mongolian beef. He then hits the streets and local shelters, armed with food and a simple, "How are you? Would you like some food?" Which, if you think about it, is a pretty excellent opening line.
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Start Your News DetoxHis efforts caught the eye of the Builders Movement, a community organization that works with humanitarian heavyweights like Chef José Andrés. KIND CEO Daniel Lubetzky, clearly impressed, welcomed Dan to the team, calling him an "amazing kid." Because apparently that's where we are now: 13-year-olds joining humanitarian movements.
In a recent holiday video, Dan and Lubetzky were spotted handing out carne asada burritos, salad, and water across New York City. Lubetzky summed it up best, noting that Dan "sees the humanity in everyone and brings real light into the world."
Which, for a kid who could easily be just chasing likes, is a much more satisfying recipe.
