It’s named We are There. And it’s a Catholic Charities USA campaign built around community, steadfast presence and life-giving services. For Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh, it’s an opportunity to remain a neighbor to those in need.
An essential service provided by Catholic Charities of the Diocese which embodies this commitment is the Food Pantry Services Program. The program fulfills food requests through collaboration and donations, highlighting the strength of the community that Catholic Charities fosters year-round.
At Catholic Charities food pantries, families served each day are referred to as neighbors, and for volunteers and staff, this is more than just a phrase—it is a testament to the relationships built between those who give and those who receive.
“To be a neighbor, all you need to do is allow yourself to be embraced by the community we create,” said Kelly Rappl, program director at Catholic Parish Outreach Food Pantry, a program of Catholic Charities. This welcoming environment, and the generosity of local partners, volunteers and donors, makes it possible for Catholic Charities to be there providing food and other necessities to whoever needs it.
Catholic Charities food pantries, which served over 235,000 neighbors last year, thrive on various partnerships with other members of the community including farmers, local grocery stores, nonprofit organizations and faith communities. Programs such as FarmSHARE, which link local farmers to food hubs through government funding, are good examples of how these relationships benefit the local economy.
“Our FarmSHARE program helps small farmers while providing fresh, local produce to our clients,” said Rappl. “It’s a win-win. One of our FarmSHARE partners, Emmanuel, shared how the program allowed him to buy a refrigerated van, helping his business and our ability to distribute food.”
At the Durham Community Food Pantry, Program Director Sue Williams and Volunteer Coordinator Heather Wendeln get creative when looking for donations from their community. Initiatives like Start the Year Strong bring together the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, local supermarkets and volunteers to provide essential food items for families. They even work with a nearby pig farm to reduce food waste.
In Wilmington, the Cape Fear Regional Office uses partnerships like Feast Down East to connect with local farmers for fresh produce for families. In Greenville, the Tar River Regional Office Case Manager Kim Gaskins shared how initiatives like the Healthy Opportunities Program provide bi-weekly food boxes and a sense of community.
“Each HOP box is personally delivered and includes fresh fruits, herbs and essential pantry items,” she said. “For Catholic Charities, being part of these efforts is about more than filling plates. We are there creating opportunities for people to thrive … We’re proud of a family who, after receiving assistance from our food pantry and other services, started their own lawncare business. They now give back by providing their lawncare services at the Tar River office.”
Whether it’s a local farmer delivering fresh meat, a volunteer rescuing unsold produce or a family paying kindness forward, Catholic Charities food pantries reflect the power of community and connections that provide help and create hope locally.
“We are so thankful for every donor, every volunteer and every neighbor who walks through our doors,” said Rappl. “Together, we’re creating a thriving community of neighbors helping neighbors.”
To learn more: We are There and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh
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