DCFP Mobile Food Pantry: Going the Distance When it Matters
One of the leading causes of hunger is location, because where people live matters. One’s location can affect access to nutritious food, which can act as another barrier for families already struggling to pay day-to-day bills. These areas are where low-income and low access to food overlap, with the most severely affected areas known as food deserts. Catholic Charities mobile food pantries are designed to reach these areas of low income and low access to food. That is why, when the Durham Community Food Pantry (DCFP) had the opportunity to launch a mobile food pantry, they looked at the numbers first.
According to regional manager Jeremy Ireland, “Catholic Charities chose Hillsborough for their mobile food pantry because DCFP was designed to address food insecurity in Durham and Orange counties.” Ireland continued, “Our research found that food insecurity is higher in northern Orange, where Hillsborough is located, but most existing food resources are concentrated in southern Orange around Chapel Hill.”
Those in the Hillsborough area are greeted with open arms and groceries on the third Friday of each month from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. when they arrive at the mobile pantry. Staff are committed to meeting families where they are by making services more geographically accessible. By serving an area that is considered to be a region with ‘low access to healthy food’ according to the NC State Center for Health Statistics, DCFP can take part in alleviating one of the factors causing poverty.
Working to alleviate barriers to healthy food is important because according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), “People disproportionately impacted by food insecurity include, but are not limited to, children, many communities of color, households with low incomes, immigrant communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, people in certain geographies (e.g., rural areas, cities, the South), people who are formerly incarcerated, and single-parent households” (Food Security in the U.S. | Economic Research Service)
Volunteers from the Hillsborough area have embraced the opportunity to support their local community and make the event possible. Their personalized service shares joy and kindness throughout the distribution. There are even a few families who make volunteering together part of their regular routine.
“The mobile pantry allows us to get out into communities that might not be able to get to our physical location. It is also nice to offer this in Orange County where fewer options for food distribution might be available. I enjoy seeing the same people each month and building a relationship with them,” says volunteer Susan Clifton.
DCFP has adopted the drive-through model for its mobile pantry, enabling quick, efficient service while still connecting with clients. This approach has also helped build a strong relationship with River Park Elementary School, who often serve as the host location. As the DCFP continues to expand their reach, mobile pantries remind the world that fighting hunger isn’t just about food, it’s about showing up, building trust, and creating lasting connections.
Irelend reflected on their work by sharing, “One grocery bag at a time, we can help Hillsborough families feel seen, supported, and nourished.”