After more than a year of planning, design, and preparation, Catholic Charities is proud to officially launch the Savor Food Truck, a new social enterprise that blends great food with an even greater mission. Savor brings to life the spirit of Catholic Charities by providing help and creating hope in a fresh and flavorful way. The food truck will serve delicious, crowd-pleasing meals across the Triangle while generating funding to support mobile food pantries that fight hunger throughout Central and Eastern North Carolina. “Savor is more than a food truck;… Read More
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… Read More
When someone becomes a volunteer at the Durham Community Food Pantry, their interests can define how they help. Bag and box creation, warehouse management, food distribution, neighbor intake, and mobile food pantry support are all roles that need to be filled, there is something for everyone. But for those who stay incredibly dedicated and consistent, there’s the option to step up and become a lead volunteer. Dominic, with his forklift operator license and go getter attitude in hand, is one such example. Dominic found his way to volunteering in August… Read More
As the fall festive weather blew into North Carolina, Catholic Charities brought seasonal cheer and purpose to the Tar River region. On Saturday, October 11, the Tar River Regional office celebrated their very first Oktoberfest: Beers, Brats, and Bingo, a fundraising event that combined celebration with service. More than 140 patrons gathered at St. Peter’s Spiritual Life Center in Greenville, raising over $23,500 in support of local food pantry services. The evening was filled with a palpable sense of joy and hope as the community came together to fight food… Read More
Family, friends, volunteers, and partners recently gathered to celebrate a new beginning for a grandmother and her six grandchildren. A long journey filled with challenges has now resulted in a new home for the Abonza family, made possible by their resilience, determination, and the support of their community. At the house blessing and key passing ceremony, joy and gratitude were overflowing. As Emilie Hart, Regional Director for Catholic Charities, reflected, “I met Grandma Teresa about two years ago just before Christmas at the health department. It was super clear that… Read More
On Thursday, September 11, more than 65 supporters gathered at the Harrelson Center in Wilmington for the inaugural Rise and Dine Breakfast, benefitting the Nourishing Our Neighbors Campaign. The event raised over $25,000 to support efforts to expand access to healthy food across the Cape Fear region. The morning began with fellowship, prayer, and words of gratitude for the many community partners who made the event possible. Guests heard powerful stories from Catholic Charities staff and a neighbor who benefitted from Catholic Charities food pantry services. Their words highlighted both… Read More
On Thursday, August 14, Catholic Charities hosted its 8th annual fundraiser with the Durham Bulls, once again combining baseball with community support for neighbors in need. The warm August evening, with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s before cooling into the mid-70s, provided a classic summer setting at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The Bulls fell 7–2 to the Nashville Sounds, but the loss on the field did not overshadow the success in the stands from the dedicated group who purchased tickets in support of Catholic Charities, helping raise funds for… Read More
Under bright skies and an unusual cool breeze for North Carolina’s typical August heat, nearly 200 golfers teed off at Cary’s Prestonwood Country Club for the 8th Annual Drive Out Hunger Golf Outing. The beautiful weather mirrored the spirit of the event. This worthy cause fueled Catholic Charities volunteers and golfers alike to enjoy the event from registration to reception. A photo opportunity, light breakfast, and beverages set the scene for the morning portion of the day, offering eager golfers of all levels the chance to mingle among their foursomes…. Read More
Every Tuesday and Thursday, as the sun rises over Durham, a volunteer named Veronica arrives at the Durham Community Food Pantry (DCFP), a place where volunteers like her create a warm haven for our neighbors in need amid difficult times. As families work through the process to receive assistance, our volunteers ensure that they are assisted in an efficient manner from start to finish. After the Volunteer Coordinator, Heather Wendeln, greets our neighbors, they move to the intake station where they might get the chance to speak to the hard-working… Read More
Staff and volunteers at the Durham Community Food Pantry (DCFP) take great pride in the volunteer cultivated garden located at the back of the food pantry’s building. Ask Suzan Perry, Master Gardener and DCFP volunteer, about the garden’s origin, and watch her beaming smile as she talks about everything that is currently in season and almost ready to be harvested. Volunteer Coordinator Heather Wendeln shares, “Currently zucchini, cucumbers, squash, pole green beans, green peppers, and blackberries are in season, and hopefully by the end of the summer we’ll see tomatoes,… Read More
