Community Health Coalition Targets Food Insecurity in Durham for January 2025
DURHAM, NC – This January, the Community Health Coalition (CHC) is addressing food insecurity as part of its “Health Area Focuses of the Month” initiative. With an alarming rise in food insecurity affecting Durham County and surrounding areas, CHC is taking actionable steps to alleviate the issue and support vulnerable populations.
The 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey highlights that only 10% of residents in Region Five of North Carolina, including Durham County, consume fruits, vegetables, or beans at least five times daily. Children are disproportionately impacted, with 1 in 6 in North Carolina going hungry daily. Racial disparities are evident, as 1 in 4 Latino residents and 1 in 6 Black residents reported skipping meals or reducing food intake due to financial constraints even before the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, further limiting access to nutritious food and intensifying health disparities linked to conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
CHC’s Contributions to Fight Food Insecurity
CHC is tackling this urgent issue through a combination of initiatives:
- Free Food Distributions: CHC collaborates with local farmers, community organizations, and food banks to provide high-quality food to residents of Durham and neighboring areas. Free food distributions occur every third Thursday of the month at:
- CHC Office: 308 Crutchfield Street, Suite D, Durham, NC 27704.
- School Meals for All NC: CHC is partnering with the “School Meals for All NC” (SMFANC) initiative to advocate for universal access to breakfast and lunch at no cost for school-aged children. This effort aims to combat food insecurity among children and ensure no child goes hungry during the school day. Residents are encouraged to show support by signing a support letter by selecting “Community Health Coalition” under the “Additional Information” section. More details can be found at School Meals for All NC Support Letter.
- Volunteer Opportunities: CHC is actively seeking volunteers to assist with packaging and distributing food. Interested individuals can sign up to make a direct impact by visiting CHC Volunteer Sign-Up.
Why Addressing Food Insecurity Matters
Food insecurity negatively impacts health, particularly among children, who require consistent access to nutritious meals for growth and development. CHC’s focus on addressing these challenges aligns with their broader mission of improving the health of Durham and North Carolina communities since 1989.
For additional information or to get involved, contact CHC at 919-470-8680 or visit their website at CHealthC.org. Together, the community can take meaningful steps toward alleviating food insecurity and ensuring all residents have access to the nutrition they need.