Mario Batali grew up in Seattle and studied in Spain before graduating from Rutgers with degrees in Spanish Theater and Business Management. He then trained under chef Marco Pierre White in London. Batali went on to establish several non-profits focused on food security and education for children, including the Mario Batali Foundation and serving on the board of The Lunchbox Fund in South Africa. He also supports the Food Bank for New York City where he has served on the board of directors for over 20 years and helped raise $8 million through annual fundraising events. Batali's philanthropic work aims to address hunger and ensure children have access to nutrition through school meal programs.