Our programs
Food Collections
Our Food Collections bring neighbors, businesses, and community groups together around a shared goal: feeding our community through non-perishable food drives. We believe that neighbors helping neighbors not only addresses hunger but also builds relationships and strengthens our community.
Food drives can be organized monthly, quarterly, or as one-time events. PORCH hosts regular collections twice each month, when dedicated Neighborhood Coordinators deliver food gathered through their local neighborhood drives. Volunteers then sort and pack the donations at our office in preparation for distribution.
The food we receive each month moves quickly from collection to distribution through our community partners—often clearing our shelves so it can reach Durham’s children and families when it’s needed most. Whether it’s a single can or a car full of groceries, every contribution helps nourish our community.
Food Distributions
Our Food Distribution program partners with schools and nonprofit organizations across Durham to support children of all ages—from preschool through high school. Research consistently shows that food insecurity can significantly impact a child’s ability to focus, learn, and succeed in school.
We work closely with school social workers, community coordinators, and administrators who serve as points of contact at each distribution site. Together, we tailor monthly deliveries to meet the unique needs of each partner pantry. These resources may support family food bags, choice-based pantries, afterschool snacks, or summer meal programs—ensuring students and their families have reliable access to food year-round.
As demand continues to grow, many of our partners report that their collaboration with PORCH-Durham has been essential to sustaining—and even expanding—their services to meet increasing community needs.
Emergency Food Services
PORCH-Durham is equipped to respond to urgent and emerging needs within our community. As local families face unexpected challenges—from economic hardship to housing instability—the demand for immediate food support continues to rise.
In response, we are strengthening partnerships with grassroots organizations and initiatives that serve some of our most vulnerable neighbors, including individuals and families facing barriers related to affordable housing, transportation, and childcare.
These emergency contributions are made possible by the food collected through our community drives throughout the year, allowing us to respond quickly when unexpected needs arise.