Rescuing usable food that would otherwise be thrown away by restaurants, markets, and other food industry sources is at the core of Community Plates, a Norwalk-based nonprofit. From its sites in Fairfield, New Haven, and Hartford Counties, the organization delivers rescued unused food to soup-kitchens, food-pantries, and other hunger relief groups. It has rescued approximately 2.5 million meals in Connecticut this year.

We caught up with Melissa Spiesman, longtime Fairfield County resident and the nonprofit’s National Site Director, to learn how Community Plates is helping end U.S. food-insecurity in Connecticut and across 7 sites nationwide.

In Fairfield County alone, Community Plates has rescued and delivered 6.8 million meals and 10.4 million pounds of food since 2011. How did you become involved with the organization?

I saw an article on a food blog mentioning the group’s mission to end hunger in Fairfield County and reached out to the Executive Director. I pursued him for 1 month before we were able to create an opportunity for me as a volunteer team member. I began as a food-runner and quickly moved into the role of Receiving Agency Coordinator for all our locations. I could not understand how the neediest Americans traditionally only have access to the worst quality foods.

When you’re not helping direct food rescuing efforts across Connecticut, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Being in the kitchen is therapeutic for me. I like good food, and I especially like to share good food with good people. That is one of the reasons why I fell in love with Community Plates. Outside of my passion for food, health, and nutrition, I enjoy hiking, adventure travel, exercise, and reading.

Melissa Spiesman is the Director of Community Plates, whose mission is made possible by volunteers who sign up online for “food rescues.”

The holiday season is a time for many to reflect and give back. What does the holiday season mean for you and your family?

It is the time of year for us all to be together, celebrate our traditions, hang out with friends and family, but mostly take further note and recognition of all that we are grateful for.

Founded in 2010, Community Plates collects fresh, usable food that would otherwise be thrown away and brings it to locations like Pacific House in Stamford, where meals are served to homeless men.

What does the rest of the holiday season have in store for Community Plates?

Across all 7 of our sites, we have many donors who put together special food donations for the holidays as well as donate all of their excess food. They look to us to direct the donations. It’s great that people are motivated and concerned about hunger during the holidays, but there is need every day of the year. We rescue food 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Summer is one of the most critical times for our food rescue operations. Many children eat 1 meal a day at school. When school is out, it is a challenge.

The nonprofit’s mobile application, GoRescue, enables volunteer “food runners” to connect with places that have leftover food and then distribute it to those in need.
The nonprofit’s mobile application, GoRescue, enables volunteer food runners to connect with places that have leftover food and then distribute it to those in need.

“I could not understand how the neediest Americans traditionally only have access to the worst quality foods.”

– Melissa Spiesman, National Site Director of Community Plates

What was your first experience with Uber?

I heard about Uber from my young adult kids, of course. Anything technology driven comes from them. It made me feel more relaxed about my kids getting around NYC because their rides are tracked. I like using Uber for its ease of use and consistency of experience. Similar to the Community Plates platform and our GoRescue mobile app, the experience is the same everywhere and the customer, in our case food runners, can be confident they’ve have the same process every time and in any place.

What’s the most common Uber trip you take?

My most common trips are in and around NYC and Fairfield County. I also rely on Uber when I am travelling around the country as a safe and smart option to get around. 

You can help Community Plate’s food rescue efforts today. Financial contributions to to the nonprofit go a long way—every dollar donated enables the rescue of 2.5 healthy meals. Donate a minimum of $5 today to help end food insecurity in Connecticut.

Volunteer food runners can sign up 20 minutes before a potential food rescue, spend 20 minutes rescuing food, and be able to feed 20 people as a result. Learn how you can become a Community Plates Food Runner.

Businesses such as restaurants, cafes, or hotels can reach out to Community Plates to pick up their unused food here or reach out directly to Melissa.