Throughout 2024, as the need for food assistance grew across Maine, it was critical partnerships –including the generous support of donors like you – that enabled Maine’s hunger-relief network to rise to the challenge. Together, we distributed a record-setting 40 million meals in 2024 and made meaningful progress towards a foodsecure future. These achievements demonstrate the incredible power of what we can accomplish when we work together. By showing up for one another – with kindness, purpose, and collaboration – we’re building an ecosystem of support that helps all of us press forward, no matter the challenges we face.
A powerful example of this ecosystem in action is our partnership with Preble Street, highlighted inside this report. Their Food Security Hub, a project we’re proud to support, represents an innovative step forward – creating sustainable solutions to hunger while addressing urgent needs today. During a recent visit, I was amazed and honored to witness firsthand the possibilities of what we can achieve through collaboration.
Fueled by investments from the community, including Good Shepherd Food Bank and others, Preble Street is building a system that prioritizes not only food access but also dignity, resilience, and hope.
Your support makes this work possible. Every meal shared, every new initiative launched, every solution explored – it all starts with the generosity and shared commitment of partners – including donors like you. Thank you for being part of this journey and for pressing forward with us toward a future where everyone in Maine is food secure.
With gratitude,
Heather Paquette President, Good Shepherd Food Bank
40 Million Meals
600 partner organizations distributed in 2024 thanks to:
22,000 donors
1,246 volunteers
Nourishing Maine with Nourishing Maine with Partnering with the Preble Street Partnering with the Preble Street
Preble Street, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, has been among Good working together to provide dignified access to food in ways that meet people where Security Hub in South Portland, this collaboration is evolving to address Maine’s
Why a Food Security Hub?
Why a Food Security Hub?
Before the pandemic, discussions between Preble Street and Good Shepherd Food Bank identified ready-made meals as a critical need for those without kitchen access, including unhoused individuals, older Mainers, people with disabilities, refugees, and asylum seekers. The pandemic only heightened this need, leading to the creation of the Food Security Hub - an innovative solution to expand access to nutritious meals across the state. Good Shepherd Food Bank contributed $500,000 to help bring the project to life. “The initial investment meant a lot to the board and helped make this all happen,” said Mark Swann, Executive Director of Preble Street, “Thank you for believing in us.”
Making an Impact Today Making an Impact Today
Today, construction of the Food Security Hub is well under way, and it’s already making a significant impact across the state – producing nearly 2,000 ready-made meals daily for shelters and community organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA, and refugee assistance programs. Additionally, 200 food boxes are distributed monthly to 30 organizations.
In addition to producing meals and distributing food boxes, the Hub is using donated products in innovative ways to reduce waste and maximize resources - transforming ripened fruit into jam, pickling cucumbers, and incorporating surplus produce into nutritious meals. Once fully operational, it will have the capacity to produce up to 10,000 meals per day and maintain up to 50,000 frozen, prepared meals, solidifying its role as a critical resource for hunger relief, including during emergencies.
Good Shepherd Food Bank Faced Hunger with Solutions
23,500
180,000 40
Street Food Security Hub Street Food Security Hub
Good Shepherd Food Bank’s most impactful partners, where they are. Now, with the development of the Food Maine’s growing and changing food security needs.
Building Community and Hope Building Community and Hope
The Food Security Hub is about more than meals - it’s about dignity and connection. Volunteers chop vegetables, pack meals, and organize shelves, but they also build relationships. As volunteers, seniors find companionship, recovery house residents work as a team, and people from all walks of life come together with a shared purpose. Volunteers and Preble Street staff work together to ensure that meals reach people wherever food is needed in the community. “It’s empowering to eat what you want and be able to do that where you live or where you stay,” said Donna Yellen, Preble Street’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives.
A Bold Step Forward A Bold Step Forward
At the Food Security Hub, chefs train staff and volunteers to transform donated and purchased food into high-quality, nutritious meals.
The Food Security Hub reflects Good Shepherd Food Bank’s commitment to sourcing nutritious, culturally relevant foods and distributing them in ways that improve access and nourish the whole person. Together with donors, volunteers, and partners like Preble Street, we are working toward a bold vision: a future where everyone in Maine is food secure and has the food they need to live a full, healthy life.
Through strong partnerships, like the one with Preble Street, we can tackle the complex challenges of food insecurity piece by piece. Together, we can accomplish so much more. - Heather Paquette, President
