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ABOUT EPISODE 005: A CONVERSATION WITH NIO DIPIETRANTONIO OF SERVING UP SUPPORT MAINE; MENTAL HEALTH AND HOSPITALITY
TRIGGER WARNING: Substance use; suicide
In this special episode, we talk with Nio DiPietrantonio, founder of Serving Up Support Maine, about mental health and substance use struggles in the hospitality industry. Nio shares her personal journey and what led her to launch this grassroots support initiative that is fostering community care among hospitality workers in Maine.
Interview Recorded: June 6, 2025
🎧 Tune in to hear from Nio
LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED:
- Home – Culinary Hospitality Outreach and Wellness
- The Autism Society of Maine – individuals with Autism, their families, members of the community, and the professionals who work with them
- Welcome – Maine Parent Federation
- VA Maine Health Care | Veterans Affairs
- Maine Invites You – Maine Tourism Association
- MyFriendBen – Finding benefits and tax credits just got easier. Meet MyFriendBen
- Kitchen Confidential- Anthony Bourdain
SOURCES/CITATIONS:
Maine Office of Tourism – 2023 Annual Report
Maine Office of Tourism 2023 Annual Report
https://motpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MOT-2023-Annual-Report_FINAL.pdf
→ Provides data on statewide visitation, spending, employment, wages, and visitor satisfaction
Maine Office of Tourism – Greater Portland & Casco Bay Region 2023 Profile
2023 Regional Tourism Impact Report – Greater Portland & Casco Bay
https://motpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2023-Portland-Region.pdf
Details regional data: visitor spending, job support, and income impact in the Portland metro area
Visit Portland – Economic Impact Summary
Tourism’s Economic Impact on Greater Portland (2024 Overview)
https://www.visitportland.com/about-us/tourism-impact/
→ Breaks down broader tourism data for the Portland region, including trip counts, employment, and earnings
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Occupational Estimates
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/report_1959/ShortReport-1959.html
→ Ranks food service occupations highest for illicit drug use and third-highest for heavy alcohol use
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook & Mental Health Risks
Job Flexibility and Mental Health Challenges in Food Service Jobs
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/home.htm
→ General reference for job outlook and challenges in the food preparation and serving industry
