March Spotlight- Preble Street Food Security Hub
When the world feels overwhelming, it’s easy to forget how much good is happening close to home. People Helping People is our way of spotlighting the Portlanders who are showing up, making a difference, and reminding us that we all have something to offer. Hope isn’t something we wait for, it’s something we build together, and all across the city, you will find examples of people reminding us that the most powerful force for change is the simple, human act of people helping people.
“ Even during moments that feel heavy or divisive, our community continues to choose compassion and action. I feel very grateful to live and work in a place where people show up for one another, especially when it matters most.”
-Elisa Fleig, Volunteer Programs Manager
Interview with Elisa Fleig, Volunteer Programs Manager, Preble Street
Hunger and food insecurity has grown substantially in Maine since the COVID-19 pandemic. Our community is grateful to have the Preble Street Food Security Hub to provide for our neighbors who may be facing emergency food shortages. Once a critical need like food access is met, it allows individuals to begin making progress towards employment, housing, and other goals- improving the lives of our neighbors.
With up to 10,000 meals cooked a day, this critical need would not be met without the hard work of volunteers looking out for their community. OEO had the honor of speaking with Elisa Fleig, the Volunteer Programs Manager at Preble Street, who oversees the volunteers working to end food insecurity in Portland.
Please share a bit about Preble Street, the Food Security Hub, and the work you do.
The mission of Preble Street is to provide accessible barrier-free services to empower people experiencing problems with homelessness, housing, hunger, and poverty, and to advocate for solutions to these problems.
Hunger in Maine has grown significantly since the pandemic. In 2021, we responded by launching our vision for the Food Security Hub to meet the rising demand for emergency food. Today, the newly renovated Food Security Hub represents a sustainable and collaborative approach to ending hunger in Maine, and it opened at a critical moment for food insecurity nationwide.
Food access is a statewide challenge. From our South Portland facility, we now have the capacity to prepare up to 10,000 meals a day and store 50,000 frozen, fully prepared meals. That capacity allows us to support a growing number of people across Maine who are struggling to put nutritious food on the table.
None of this would be possible without our incredible community of volunteers. Each year, roughly 1,900 volunteers contribute their time and energy to this work. In my role, I welcome and orient new volunteers, helping them feel informed, and connected from the very beginning. I guide them through our mission, programs, and expectations, and make sure they understand not just what they’ll be doing, but why it matters. From their first shift onward, I try to ensure their experience is smooth and meaningful. Whether that means answering questions, troubleshooting logistics, or checking in after a shift. My goal is for every volunteer to leave feeling valued, inspired, and eager to return, knowing they are truly making a difference in their community.
What brought you to Preble Street?
When I moved to Portland more than five years ago, I started working at Trader Joe’s in town. A few times a week, a Preble Street truck would come to pick up food donations of perfectly good food that couldn’t be sold but could still be shared.
I became curious about where that food was going and how it was being used. When I visited Preble Street’s website and learned more about the organization’s impact, I was immediately impressed by the scope and heart of the work. I saw an opening for an Administrative Assistant and applied that same day.
That was four and a half years ago, and I still absolutely love working here.
Can you share a bit about the role volunteers play in your work?
Volunteers are truly the heart of our work. Last year alone, more than 1,900 volunteers contributed over 20,000 hours, a powerful testament to how deeply this community cares.
They play a vital role in every step of the meal process. Volunteers help prep fresh produce, portion meals for unsheltered clients, and serve food in shelters and outreach programs. They work alongside staff to prepare thousands of meals for area shelters and partner organizations.
But their impact goes beyond the food itself. Volunteers bring warmth, dignity, and positive energy. When clients feel seen, valued, and treated with respect, it makes a real difference. Volunteers also help spread awareness about our mission, which strengthens community support even further.
What does a typical volunteer shift at the Food Security Hub look like?
In the Food Security Hub kitchen, volunteers help prepare produce we source through our partnerships with local Maine farms. Much of the food we use is local and seasonal, basically the same vegetables and fruits you’d find at Maine farmers’ markets.
In the winter, that often means beautiful root vegetables like beets, potatoes, and carrots, along with hearty greens like kale and cabbage. In the summer, we process tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, cauliflower, and more, transforming them into meals that are both delicious and nutritious.
In shelters, volunteers help serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to hundreds of clients each day. Just as important as the meal itself is the atmosphere they help create, one that is welcoming, warm, and respectful. Volunteers often greet clients, smile, and take a moment to connect, helping transform what could feel like a transactional experience into one that feels human and caring. For many of our clients, these daily meals provide not only nourishment, but also consistency and a sense of community.
I always encourage volunteers to try both experiences — prepping food in the kitchen and serving in a shelter — because it offers a full picture of the care, coordination, and heart that goes into each meal, and how meaningful it is on the receiving end.
We have volunteer shifts available every single day of the year.
What is something that gives you hope?
Over the past several months, we’ve seen significant challenges that have deeply impacted the people we serve , from the SNAP crisis last November to the recent ICE surge in February. These events have created real fear and instability for many in our community.
Despite how destabilizing and frightening these challenges have been, we’ve also witnessed something incredibly powerful: a huge amount of community members stepping forward and asking, “How can I help? What can I do?” Volunteer inquiries have increased dramatically, shifts are filling more quickly, and longtime supporters are leaning in even further. We’ve seen so many new faces at orientations, returning volunteers bringing friends and family members, and community partners reaching out to collaborate.
That response gives me hope. Even during moments that feel heavy or divisive, our community continues to choose compassion and action. I feel VERY grateful to live and work in a place where people show up for one another, especially when it matters most.
Get Involved!
What advice would you give to those looking to build or support community right now?
Getting started is easier than many people think. It always begins with curiosity and an open mind.
A great first step is attending one of our volunteer orientations. We share more about Preble Street’s mission and 50-year history, the programs we operate across Maine, and the many ways community members can get involved. Orientations are held twice a week, every week.
To sign up, visit our website and follow the prompts to create an account:
https://www.preblestreet.org/you-can-help/volunteer/
Want to learn more or get involved? You can also reach out to Elisa directly at volunteer@preblestreet.org with any questions. She’s always happy to connect and help people find the right fit.
We hope these stories help you remember that no matter who you are or what you care about, there’s a role for everyone in building this community. Reach out to us with your story of #PeopleHelpingPeople or let us know how you’d like to help, and we can help connect you with an opportunity that is right for you!