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Black History and the Fight to End Hunger
The LGBTQ Center of Durham was founded in 2015 to become the front porch of the community.
Their vision is to create a community where all LGBTQ+ lived experiences are affirmed, supported, and celebrated.
Their vision is to create a community where all LGBTQ+ lived experiences are affirmed, supported, and celebrated.
We spoke with the Center's Operations Manager, Alix Adrian (he/they), about what the pantry means for queer communities facing hunger.
Joiful Bellies is a choice pantry where visitors can conveniently schedule appointments to shop for the groceries they need. The pantry offers shelf-stable items like pasta, protein, canned vegetables, and snacks. Some items are gluten-free, low-sodium, and low-sugar for shoppers with dietary restrictions. Household products, including diapers and paper towels, are available —and Alix always makes sure to have seasoning on the shelves.
– Alix Adrian Operations Manager at the LGBTQ Center of DurhamBeing able to choose what you eat gives a sense of agency about what you're doing and it also allows you to feel good about your health.
Over the last several months, visitors to the pantry have doubled from 30 to 35 shoppers a month to nearly 65.
Though the pantry launched just two years ago, need has risen sharply — as has the organization's impact. For Alix, hunger in queer communities can mean not eating anything for several days. And many shoppers face impossible choices between paying for food or rent.
– Hilda Royal Hands On Humanity Food Pantry DirectorWe're having an increase of 32 to 35 people a day. That just started a couple of weeks ago. And the food stamps have been changed. So peopel are hungry. They don't have the money to go and buy this and that...Either you buy your medicine, or buy gas, or buy food.
Joiful Bellies is more than a food pantry; it's a community. A family navigating health challenges still gives back by donating food they can't use to the pantry. "We look after each other," Alix shared.
At a time when 1 in 3 LGBTQ+ youth experience food insecurity, Alix and his team provide an affirming food pantry where young people are given the support they need to thrive.
The LGBTQ+ Youth Center, housed within the LGBTQ Center of Durham, offers clothing, gender identity programs, and a drop-in space. Alix told us what he would say to a queer young person who is nervous about visiting a food pantry for the first time:
– Roxann Landsdowne Mother Hubbard's Cupboard Chair of the BoardI can tell you that nobody goes away hungry. That is the first thing we tell volunteers: nobody goes away hungry.
Help build welcoming spaces for everyone facing hunger.
– Alix Adrian"The best way to support is through dollars...Make us a part of your community."
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Black History and the Fight to End Hunger
Black leadership formed an early cornerstone of the movement to end hunger — and remains vital to our work today.
Black History and the Fight to End Hunger
Black leadership formed an early cornerstone of the movement to end hunger — and remains vital to our work today.
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