Project Open Hand’s Grocery Center Operations Coordinator, Marcus Armour, has no small task. He is in charge of putting all product out for Project Open Hand clients and leading all grocery center volunteer groups in packaging and production. Over the last 20 years, Marcus has tactfully combated challenges to ensure our clients receive the quality nutrition they walk into Project Open Hand’s doors for.
Marcus is retiring after dedicating over 20 years to our meals with love, volunteering for three years before being hired in October, 1998. Marcus has worn many hats throughout his years at Project Open Hand, including porter and cook.
Michael McCormick, Operations Manager says, “Marcus has been a staple to Project Open Hand, a source of support through many challenges we’ve had, and the foundation from which our grocery center has been able to stand."
Q: Where are you from?
A: Wyoming. I moved to San Francisco in 1980. There’s nothing to do in Wyoming, except Yellowstone National Park. I lived 100 miles from there. We’d go up there every summer — there, or the Grand Teton National Park.
Q: Hobbies?
A: I don’t have hobbies. I do like Sitcoms. I like Married with Children. I watch it every morning.
Q: How did you hear about Project Open Hand?
A: A friend told me about Project Open Hand originally. I liked what they did, and I knew a lot of friends that passed away from HIV. So I thought, ‘well this would be a good place to work,’ you know? A chance to give something back.
Q: What Project Open Hand memory stands out most for you?
A: When we were at the old location, probably in the mid-nineties, we used to serve clients a cold meal once a month — like chicken, pasta salad and a roll. One night, we had a big storm here and the city was a complete black out. That just so happened to be the Wednesday we served the cold meal. That was a miracle. We wouldn’t have been able to cook anything else.
I remember the old location well. This space is much better. At our previous location, we would have to just pull out tables and chairs when we ate lunch — our lunchroom was the same place they were loading up the trucks.
Q: What is your favorite part about the job?
A: Just knowing that I’m doing the right thing. I hope that’s not too conceited of me to say. I also like working with all the volunteers from around the world.
Q: Whats your least favorite part?
A: Working. (Marcus laughs unhesitatingly.)
Q: What’s next?
A: I think I’ll take 6 months off, then maybe a part-time job. I might move to Reno. I have family up there and I like it up there. I’ve been here for 35 years and I think I’ve seen and done everything.
Q: What is the meaning of life?
A: I think the meaning of life is just to be happy.
Q: What is the most played song on your iPod/computer?
A: I think it is, “Stop in the Name of Love” by The Supremes.
Q: What is your favorite recipe to make?
A: Spaghetti. It’s my favorite food. I make a dang good spaghetti.
