Durham County opens micro-grant program aimed at combating food insecurity
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- With food insecurity a significant issue, Durham County has opened its Food Security Micro-Grant program aimed at supplying nonprofit agencies and organizations with money to help with the food security work they're already doing.
"The need became so great," said Senior pastor Michael Page. "We don't want people to be hungry, and we don't want children without food."
At Antioch Baptist Church in east Durham, praise and worship happen upstairs in the sanctuary, but downstairs, Page calls his church pantry the heartbeat of the community.
He said the church pantry has been open for 20 years, but this is the greatest need he's ever seen. Last Saturday, his church hosted a Thanksgiving food drive.
The need continues to grow. It really helps us provide this kind of support. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to do it.- Michael Page, senior pastor at Antioch Baptist Church
Meanwhile, at the Salvation Army of Durham, Orange and Person counties, Aalayah Sanders showed ABC11 frozen goods and pastries in the pantry ready for distribution as it prepares for its weekly free food Fridays event.
"The face of hunger looks like any one of us. It can look like me. It can look like you," said Sanders.
The micro-grant program is administered through the Durham Congregations in Action.
Raina Goldstein Bunnag is the Durham County Food Security Coordinator. She said several issues are contributing to food insecurity, such as policy changes and inflation.
"So, last year we had a few groups use the money to purchase freezers or refrigerators so they can offer fresh food at their distributions," she said.
Page has used the microgrant program in the past and called it critical to keep the food pantry afloat.
"The need continues to grow. It really helps us provide this kind of support. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to do it," he said.
The grant applications close Dec. 12.
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