Black History and the Fight to End Hunger

The LGBTQ Center of Durham was founded in 2015 to become the front porch of the LGBTQ community. Their vision is to create a community where all LGBTQ+ lived experiences are affirmed, supported, and celebrated. During Pride Month and beyond, we're building a world where no one goes hungry. We are committed to providing nourishing food in an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and celebrated for who they are. 

As a Food Bank partner agency, the LGBTQ Center receives locally grown, nutritious food for their Joifull Bellies Food Pantry. In 2025, the LGBTQ Center provided over 10,000 meals to 830 community members. We spoke with Operations Manager Alix Adrian (he/they) about the impact of gender-affirming care for queer communities facing hunger. 

Joifull Bellies Food Pantry has been serving the community for just two years, but Alix has seen a growing impact. Joifull Bellies is a choice pantry where visitors can schedule an appointment to shop for groceries. 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. Alix also makes sure to have seasoning on the shelves: "No matter what you're making, it's always good to have a little spice in there." Household products, including diapers and paper towels, are also available. 

Being 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.

– Alix Adrian Operations Manager at the LGBTQ Center of Durham

Over the last several months, visitors to the pantry have doubled from 30 to 35 shoppers a month to nearly 65. For Alix, hunger in queer communities can mean not eating anything for an extended period of time. Many shoppers have jobs, but are facing impossible choices between paying for food or rent. 

We'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. 

– Hilda Royal Hands On Humanity Food Pantry Director

Joifull Bellies is more than a food pantry; it's a community. A family facing 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 host 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 shared what he would say to a queer young person who may be afraid of visiting a food pantry for the first time:      

I can tell you that nobody goes away hungry. That is the first thing we tell volunteers: nobody goes away hungry. 

– Roxann Landsdowne Mother Hubbard's Cupboard Chair of the Board