By admin 
In Durham County, the need for food assistance remains heartbreakingly high, with recent Feeding America data revealing that 18% of local children currently face food insecurity.
PORCH-Durham has made it their mission to provide supplemental food to these vulnerable children and their families. Operating since 2011, the organization has consistently partnered with schools and community-based organizations to deliver essential food assistance across the county.
PORCH Durham was the CBS 17 3-Degree Guarantee charity for September 2026. Every day that the CBS 17 Storm Team got the forecast high temperature correct within three degrees, CBS 17 & Michael & Son Home Services donated $100 to the organization. At the end of the month, they handed over the total donated in the form of a giant check.
The nonprofit understands that families experiencing food insecurity are often navigating other overwhelming challenges, such as a lack of reliable transportation or an inability to access affordable childcare. By helping partners maintain food pantries at locations where families are already receiving services, PORCH-Durham actively reduces the access barriers that make families go out of their way to receive assistance. Their entire model is built around a simple, compassionate idea: neighbors helping neighbors. Together, they are fighting food insecurity locally, one PORCH at a time.
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Through dedicated Food Collections, the organization brings together neighbors, local businesses, and community groups to gather both nonperishable and fresh food items. This collected food moves swiftly through community partners, often completely clearing the shelves to ensure it reaches children and families exactly when it is needed most. Because research consistently demonstrates that hunger significantly impacts a child’s ability to focus, learn, and succeed, their Food Distribution program supports students of all ages, from preschool through high school. By working closely with school social workers, administrators, and community coordinators, they create tailored monthly deliveries for each partner pantry. These resources are highly adaptable, supporting family food bags, after-school snacks, choice-based pantries, and even summer meal programs to guarantee year-round access.
The Emergency Food Services PORCH Durham provides allows them to quickly assist vulnerable neighbors facing unexpected economic hardship or housing instability by partnering with grassroots initiatives. The community’s response has been tremendous. In 2025, supporters hosted over 350 food drives, donated 52,000 lbs. of food, and contributed over 2,000 hours of volunteer service. Thanks to this sustained collaboration, over 2,500 children and families across Durham receive food assistance from PORCH-Durham and its network of distribution partners every single month.
CBS 17 is proud to support all the great work they do for our community. To learn more about how you can help this great organization or possibly benefit from it, visit their website.
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