In Durham County, before the COVID-19 pandemic, about 1 in 4 Latino and 1 in 6 Black residents skipped meals or ate less food because they did not have enough money. The effects of the pandemic have made it even harder for people to have enough money to buy food, especially Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) families.

Durham County Government is committed to developing a just food system that is better for the planet and works to end food insecurity. We will lift up BIPOC voices.  

These activities are part of the hard work of Durham community residents.

• COVID-19 Food Security Task Force: With direction from the Durham County COVID-19 Emergency Operations Center and in partnership with community organizations, Durham County staff started the COVID-19 Food Security Task Force in April 2020. The Task Force helped get emergency food contracts, worked with community partners, and gave out masks and other supplies. The Task Force had regular virtual meetings for partners to share information and build relationships. Through this work, Durham County spent more than $1 million to help provide food for people in need.
• Food Security Coordinator: In Spring 2021, Durham County hired its first Food Security Coordinator, Mary Oxendine. The County created this new position to support the community to create a strong and equitable food system for residents to find affordable and healthy food. Want to get involved in this community-led work? Contact Mary at moxendine@dconc.gov.

The Reaching Out to Durham’s Hungry project is a beautiful photo exhibit that documents some of the amazing work Durham community members are doing to help their neighbors who are food insecure. Rhonda Klevansky thoughtfully helps tell the story of food security work in Durham. Find banners and photos around Durham or visit https://www.endhungerdurham.org/reachingout/.

Feed My Sheep of Durham Food Pantry offers Hope, Healing and Hospitality throughout the city. They take care of 240 families twice a month, up from 50 families before the pandemic. It is organized by Jacquelyn Blackwell with the help of volunteers including Dilly Garcia and Helen Taylor, as seen in this photograph.

Guillermo Salamea, at the Iglesia Presbiteriana Emanuel pantry. He and 70 volunteers have been feeding nearly 600 families every week, up from 60 people before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Julian Xie, one of the founders of the Duke Root Causes Fresh Produce Program, delivering food. The program serves 300 patients referred mainly from Duke primary care clinics and Lincoln Community Health Center, and every week, a squadron of volunteers, Duke graduate, professional, and undergraduate students, take food on a rotating schedule to the homes of 150 families. Their long-term goal is that healthcare will encompass food distribution and equitable access to good nutrition.

Durham Resources

• Durham County Food & Nutrition Services
• Lincoln Community Health Center (WIC)
• Durham’s Area Food Resource Locator
• End Hunger Durham
• Meals on Wheels Durham
• Feeding Durham Together volunteer page
• Food for Durham