Durham County Launches Micro-Grant Program to Tackle Food Insecurity: How You Can Get Involved!

DURHAM, N.C. — Food insecurity is a growing crisis, and Durham County is stepping up to help. They’ve launched a Food Security Micro-Grant program. This initiative will provide funds to nonprofits working to combat hunger in the area.

Senior Pastor Michael Page from Antioch Baptist Church emphasizes the urgent need. “We don’t want people to be hungry, especially children,” he says. His church pantry, which has served the community for 20 years, has seen unprecedented demand lately. Just last week, they hosted a Thanksgiving food drive to further support families in need.

Pantry operations like Page’s are not just about food; they serve as community lifelines. “The need continues to grow. This program really helps us provide essential support,” he adds.

Similarly, at the Salvation Army of Durham, Aalayah Sanders highlights how hunger affects everyone. “The face of hunger looks like any one of us,” she states while displaying food items ready for distribution.

The Food Security Micro-Grant program is managed by Durham Congregations in Action. Raina Goldstein Bunnag, the Durham County Food Security Coordinator, points out that several factors, including policy shifts and rising prices, have led to increased hunger.

“Last year, some groups used the funds to buy freezers or refrigerators for fresh food distribution,” she explains. Such efforts are critical, and Page stresses that the micro-grant program is vital for keeping food pantries operational.

The deadline for grant applications is December 12. As the community grapples with this issue, it’s clear that supporting local organizations can make a significant difference.

Recent studies suggest that food insecurity has risen significantly, with estimates showing that about 1 in 8 Americans experienced it in 2021. This highlights how crucial initiatives like the one in Durham are for addressing immediate needs in our communities.

For further information on food insecurity trends, you can check out the latest reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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