Portsmouth Volunteers Defeat Hunger 60 People at a Time

Every morning at Gather's Community Food Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, something remarkable happens before most people finish their coffee. Sixty volunteers arrive to turn food donations into hot meals, transform a warehouse into a welcoming market, and make sure no neighbor goes hungry.

On April 12, the organization celebrated that daily miracle at a volunteer appreciation event at 3S Artspace. Retired engineer Dave Erickson took home Volunteer of the Year honors, but he was quick to redirect the spotlight.

"This recognition is really about all of us," Erickson said. "You see how much this place matters to people, and once you're part of it, you just want to keep coming back."

Erickson's role shifts with the day's needs. Sometimes he's stocking shelves in the bright, market-style pantry where families choose their own groceries with dignity. Other days he's in the kitchen helping prepare hundreds of meals or coordinating food distribution across the Seacoast region.

That flexibility is what makes Gather's operation possible, according to Steph Pellegrini, the volunteer program manager. "Our volunteers step into whatever role is needed, whether that's behind the scenes or directly working with our community members," she said. "That adaptability is what keeps everything running smoothly."

The Portsmouth facility looks nothing like the food pantries of decades past. Designed to feel like a neighborhood market, it lets people shop for free groceries while maintaining their dignity. The organization also runs mobile markets and programs aimed at building long-term food stability.

The Ripple Effect

What started as people showing up to help has evolved into something deeper. Volunteers form lasting friendships with each other and with the families they serve. Many return week after week, year after year, becoming part of the community fabric.

Executive Director Anne Hayes said that human connection is what transforms charity into genuine care. "Our volunteers are essential, not just in helping us meet that need, but in creating a welcoming environment where people feel respected and cared for," she said.

The numbers tell part of the story. Gather serves thousands of households across the Seacoast, receiving deliveries, organizing inventory, picking up surplus food from restaurants, and conducting data entry. But Erickson sees the real impact in faces and conversations.

"You're not just handing someone food," he said. "You're part of something that's really making a difference in people's lives."

As Gather expands into workforce training and other community initiatives, Hayes knows the organization's growth depends on people willing to show up. Day after day, those 60 volunteers prove that consistent, quiet dedication can defeat hunger one meal at a time.

Anyone interested in joining them can sign up for training and shifts at GatherNH.org.