Our programs
PORCH for Schools
Our PORCH for Schools program partners with schools to serve Durham students of all ages – from preschool up through high school. The data is very clear – food insecurity negatively impacts a child’s ability to learn and thrive at school. We work closely with school social workers, administrators, teachers and parents who serve as points of contact at our school distribution sites. We customize monthly deliveries of pantry items to meet the needs of each school, which include family bags, choice pantries, afterschool snacks and summer meals. We also provide grocery gift cards as schools dismiss for longer breaks to support families who face greater challenges in making ends meet when kids are home from school.
PORCH for Pantries
Our PORCH for Pantries program provides community food pantries and service providers with non-perishables from our neighborhood collections. These pantries serve some of our most vulnerable neighbors, who are likely to also face challenges related to affordable housing, transportation and child care. Many of our pantry partners continue to see increases in demand, and report that their partnership with PORCH-Durham has allowed them to sustain and expand their services.
PORCH Fresh
Our PORCH Fresh program distributes locally-grown produce at partner schools and community events. The nutrients found in fresh produce are essential to the physical growth and cognitive development of children. Yet so many children lack fresh produce in their diets due to the fact that it’s more expensive and less accessible for families who live in food deserts. PORCH-Durham is committed to addressing this inequity by providing regular access to fresh, healthy food. We also provide educational resources that include food preparation tips, recipes for the produce items provided, safe storage and handling instructions, and tips for saving time and reducing waste when preparing fresh foods.