As teachers walked out of the classroom, several community organizations stepped in to help meet an immediate need, which is feeding students who rely on school meals.
At multiple sites across the city, volunteers served free lunches to children and families, offering hot meals including hamburgers and hot dogs, along with packaged food items for later. At one location, volunteers prepared bags containing items such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, fruit, juice, and snack bars.
Organizers estimate that the effort served more than 2,000 students across Durham.
Some families said the assistance comes at a critical time as rising costs continue to strain household budgets.
“It’s terrible. Groceries are so high,” said Ms. Pamela.
At Oxford Manor, one of several distribution sites, Ms. Pamela said she was relieved to find volunteers at her doorstep, describing the effort as an example of community support during a difficult time.
Thanks to groups including Durham Public Schools Strong, the Union of Southern Service Workers (USSW), and Day One Relief, volunteers worked across seven sites in the city to prepare and distribute meals. Some children ate on-site while others took food home.
This issue shines a light on other challenges facing Durham, organizers said, pointing to housing instability and homelessness among families in the community.
“There’s a big need here in Durham,” said Mama Cookie with USSW. “We’ve got a housing problem. We’ve got a homeless problem. When you have children who are homeless, that’s a problem.”
One stop included Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, where parents described the food assistance as essential, especially at the end of the month when benefits run low.
“At the beginning of the month, that’s when I get food stamps,” said Yanera Justice, a mother of four who works two jobs. “By the end of the month, everything starts getting low.”
Durham Public Schools typically provides free breakfast and lunch to all students at every school, but with classes canceled, many families were left to make alternative arrangements for meals.
Pastor Cornelius Battle, whose church also opened its doors to support the community, said the effort is about more than food. Families at his site were able to eat, play games, and have portraits drawn.
“When we do that, children understand the importance of the church,” Battle said. “The church isn’t some elevated building detached from the community. The church goes into the community and tries to make a difference.”
Organizers said distribution sites were selected based on areas with the greatest need.
