Uniting with PORCH to Power Local Pantries through Neighborhood-based Food Drives

Are you a journalist interested in speaking about this partnership? Please reach out to Lori Webber (PORCH) or Imadé Borha (Food Bank).

With 1 in 7 neighbors facing food insecurity and massive federal program cuts looming, our expanding partnership will help meet the region’s hunger crisis head-on

As families across the state brace for massive cuts to federal hunger relief programs, we're excited to launch an expanded partnership with our friends at PORCH Communities (PORCH) to create a more sustainable food supply for our network of pantries, no-cost markets, and meal sites.

Our joint effort will expand the successful PORCH neighborhood food collection model across the Food Bank’s 34-county service area, beginning with partners and supporters in Johnston, Orange, Vance, and Wake counties. 

North Carolina communities face a worsening hunger crisis as federal leaders have eliminated over $11 million in funding that food banks used to purchase fresh produce and meat from local farms. Combined with ongoing disruptions to USDA food supplies, a state budget impasse that has frozen state funding, and massive cuts to SNAP grocery support, these challenges have significantly reduced the amount of food available to hunger relief organizations statewide. 

As a result, 1 in 7 North Carolinians today don’t know where their next meal might come from — that’s more than 1.6 million people who are increasingly turning to the state’s food bank network to keep food on the table. The increased demand and waning federal support make regular, locally organized food and fund drives more important than ever.  

Our neighbors are facing the toughest hunger crisis we’ve seen in a generation. The challenges are real, but so is the strength of our community. When we come together — neighbors helping neighbors — we’re not just filling pantry shelves. We’re building hope, connection, and resilience across every corner of our service area.

– Amy Beros, Food Bank President & CEO

The expanded partnership between PORCH Communities and the Food Bank is designed to help fill the gap — activating neighborhoods to provide a reliable, local stream of non-perishable donations right where they're needed most. 

PORCH’s grassroots approach provides immediate hunger relief and creates long-term sustainability. We’re proud to stand alongside the Food Bank to empower volunteers, deepen civic engagement, and nourish communities throughout the region.

– Christine Cotton, PORCH Communities Founder & CEO