Building A Community Without Hunger

For a Thriving Chatham County

17.098

1,893

Volunteers are the heart of CORA, playing a crucial role in our mission to combat ​food insecurity in Chatham County. With 388 dedicated individuals contributing ​17,098 volunteer hours, their efforts are equivalent to eight full-time employees. ​These compassionate volunteers enable us to run our programs and services ​efficiently, ensuring that nutritious food reaches those who need it most.

Our volunteers bring empathy, kindness, and a deep sense of community to ​CORA. Whether stocking shelves, assisting clients in the Food Pantry, or ​delivering food to home-bound seniors, they infuse every task with inclusivity and ​support. Their dedication allows us to expand our reach, improve our services, ​and positively impact the lives of countless families, children, and seniors.

We are deeply grateful for their invaluable contributions and look forward to ​continuing this journey together.

Honoring Enrique Romero: A Legacy of Dedication and Service

Enrique Romero, a beloved community member and passionate volunteer, passed away on February 11, 2024. Through his ​dedication and hard work, Enrique tirelessly served his neighbors, significantly impacting organizations like CORA. CORA ​posthumously honored Enrique with the inaugural Volunteer of the Year Award this year. This award recognizes a volunteer ​who exemplifies the same dedication, passion, and commitment to helping CORA build a community without hunger, just as ​Enrique did daily.

Enrique is deeply missed by everyone who knew him. We feel the absence of his cheerful "Buenos Dias" greetings, his ​enthusiastic fist bumps and high-fives, the sound of his leaf blower every morning, and his unique talent for easily fitting ten ​bags of groceries into a small car. Rest in peace, Enrique.

PORCH Chatham – Partners in our Fight Against Hunger

PORCH Chatham, one of many chapters nationwide, supports CORA's mission to provide nutritious food ​to those facing food insecurity. This year, twenty-five communities and over 100 volunteers collected ​food and cash donations through monthly neighborhood food drives. Their efforts have filled our ​shelves with more than 105,270 pounds of food, including cereal, tuna, olive oil, rice, and vegetables.

The impact of communities coming together once a month is truly remarkable. PORCH Chatham's ​generosity has made a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families facing hunger across ​Chatham. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated PORCH Chatham volunteers for their ​ongoing support.

If you would like to start a PORCH program for CORA, please contact Rebecca Hankins at ​rebecca@corafoodpantry.org. Your involvement helps us provide food for our neighbors in need.

At CORA, we assist a diverse community of people, including those living at or near the poverty level. We support individuals and families who find themselves in the ​difficult position of earning too much for traditional assistance but too little to meet their basic needs. Half of those we help are children or older adults who are ​especially vulnerable. No matter the circumstances, CORA is dedicated to offering compassionate support and helping everyone achieve healthier and more

enriched lives.

Rene's Story: Navigating Life with CORA's Support

Rene and her partner Marco are members of the Chatham County community. Rene, a ​mother and grandmother of two, has lived a remarkable life. Born in Japan as an "army brat," ​she has had a variety of professional experiences, including a career in New York City, serving ​in the Navy, and working as an Au Pair in Germany before settling in Chatham County.

Since 2019, Rene has been shopping at CORA. She describes herself as "land-rich but money-​poor" and has found navigating the complicated process for assistance frustrating. In ​contrast, CORA's simple approach has been a relief. The anxiety she feels over increasing ​grocery store prices has impacted her health and even caused nausea, making CORA's ​services even more vital.

Rene is incredibly grateful for the food she receives from CORA, which allows her to feed ​herself and Marco. Recently, she made a delicious pork butt, showcasing her culinary skills. ​Both Rene and Marco have dietary restrictions, and CORA's ability to accommodate their ​needs has been a blessing.

Rene recently shared, "CORA has been a lifeline for Marco and me. Navigating assistance ​programs can be so frustrating, but CORA makes it simple. The food we receive fills our plates ​and brings joy and better health to our lives. Thanks to CORA, Marco's type 2 diabetes is ​managed without medication, and we can enjoy meals that accommodate our dietary needs. ​The support we get from CORA truly shows how much our community cares for one ​another."

Rene's outgoing and adventurous spirit exemplifies the essence of our community, which ​cares for one another. Her story is a testament to CORA's positive impact on the lives of those ​we serve, fostering health, happiness, and a sense of belonging.

Partners are essential to CORA's work, enabling us to expand our reach and enhance our services. Through their support, we can provide nutritious food and ​additional resources to those in need, fostering a healthier, more resilient community. Here are two partners helping CORA and making a difference in Chatham ​County.

CORA's Partnership with UNC School of Nursing Mobile Health Clinic

The UNC School of Nursing Mobile Health Clinic (MHC) is a nonprofit organization that ​serves as an innovative, nurse-led, inter-professional practice and free health clinic. ​Since 2022, it has partnered with CORA and the UNC Center for Excellence in ​Community Mental Health to expand its community-oriented public health services in ​Chatham County, a rural and medically underserved area.

Each Monday during the school year, UNC nursing students provide free health care ​screenings and education to individuals and families visiting CORA’s choice food ​pantry. Food insecurity is a risk factor for malnutrition, obesity, chronic diseases such ​as hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and mental health issues such as ​depression and psychological distress. This partnership enables CORA to take another ​significant step in building a healthy community. "Partnering with CORA is a wonderful ​opportunity for our inter-professional students to see Whole Health Care in action ​within a supportive and effective working environment. We love CORA!" Jean Davison, ​Medical Director and Family Nurse Practitioner, UNC SON Mobile Health Clinic.

In addition to focusing on nutrition, CORA is dedicated to improving the overall health ​of those we serve in a compassionate and caring environment. Through this ​collaboration with the UNC School of Nursing Mobile Health Clinic, CORA continues to ​enhance the well-being of our community, addressing both food insecurity and ​healthcare needs.

Building Healthier Communities

Annie Taylor McCrimmon and SNACK! at Taylors Chapel Missionary Church

CORA’s SNACK! program thrives due to support from community partners like Ms. Annie ​Taylor McCrimmon of Taylors Chapel Missionary Church. For over a decade, Annie has been ​a pillar of compassion and dedication, managing the SNACK! program and serving an ​average of 20 families a week with nutritious meals.

Annie's roots trace back to the founding of Taylors Chapel in 1879. Her commitment is a ​legacy, deeply ingrained in her. Her personal touch, such as calling each family when their ​food is ready, ensures participants feel cared for.

Annie is thrilled with SNACK!'s improvements, especially the addition of fresh produce. She ​proudly acknowledges that CORA’s approach reduces the stigma associated with hunger, ​fostering dignity and hope. Reflecting on her experience, Annie says, "I bloomed where I was ​planted, and SNACK! gave me another opportunity for fellowship and giving back. It is an ​excellent program that makes an outstanding difference."

CORA’s collaboration with Taylors Chapel Missionary Church and individuals like Annie ​Taylor McCrimmon are vital to our mission. We are profoundly grateful for these ​partnerships that make a real difference every day.

Nourishing Hope

Annie May Brim and Annie McCrimmon at SNACK! (L-R)

Dianne and Bruce Birch, residents of Fearrington Village, are active and dedicated members of the ​Chatham County community. Their deep concern for their neighbors and dedication to service has ​significantly impacted numerous local nonprofits, including CORA.

The Birches share CORA’s strong belief in our mission to end hunger in Chatham County. With long ​careers in healthcare, Dianne and Bruce understand the critical importance of nutrition for health, ​particularly for children. Dianne recently expressed, "I am grateful that I do not have to choose ​between paying my rent or eating. I am grateful that I can give to CORA to help provide food to ​those in need. I am also extremely proud of CORA's focus on nutrition and helping the kids of ​Chatham through their SNACK! and CORApacks programs."

Dianne continued, "Over the years, we have been inspired by CORA's effective leadership and the collaborative spirit among donors and volunteers. We deeply ​appreciate CORA's resourcefulness, respect for those they serve, and partnerships with other nonprofits and agencies. Supporting CORA through donations and ​volunteering has been a privilege, and we are proud to contribute to their important efforts across Chatham County."

Dianne and Bruce Birch's generosity and dedication exemplify the impact of community collaboration and compassion as they help CORA build a community ​without hunger.

Aqua’s Commitment to CORA: A Holistic Approach to Philanthropy

Aqua Volunteers and Check Presentation

Since 2021, Aqua has been a steadfast supporter of CORA, providing both financial assistance and ​active volunteer participation. Aqua exemplifies a comprehensive approach to philanthropy, ​reflecting a deep commitment to the communities where its employees live, work, and play.

Aqua’s employees are enthusiastic volunteers eager to contribute their time and energy to CORA’s ​mission. Each year, their teams bring an evident sense of dedication, embodying the company’s ​values and commitment to community service.

Aqua’s President, Shannon Becker, highlights the importance of giving back: "At Aqua, we try to give ​back to the communities we serve through contributions and volunteering our time. Each ​November, we launch our ‘Fall for Food Banks’ initiative to fight hunger and raise awareness of food ​insecurity in the communities we serve. The CORA staff and volunteers work selflessly to help our ​Chatham neighbors avoid facing food insecurity and build a stronger, healthier community. Aqua ​believes in CORA’s mission and we are proud to join in and support their mission!”

Aqua’s partnership with CORA is a dynamic, hands-on collaboration that strengthens our efforts ​and amplifies our impact. Aqua’s contributions and volunteerism make a tangible difference in the ​lives of those we serve. CORA is immensely grateful for Aqua’s ongoing support. Together, we are ​building a community where no one faces food insecurity.

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community, we successfully met the needs of those facing food insecurity this past year. We concluded our fiscal ​year in excellent financial health. In FY2024, we secured $3.3 million in support. CORA is excited about our ongoing efforts to build a healthy, strong, and ​connected community with equitable access to abundant, safe, nutritious, and culturally relevant food.

income

expenses

Donations are vital to CORA's mission of building a community without hunger. They enable us to collect and ​purchase nutritious food, ensuring equitable access for residents facing food insecurity. Contributions support our ​food pantry and related programs, fostering a healthy and connected community. CORA is registered as a 501(c)(3) ​non-profit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law; the tax identification ​number is 56-1668767.

Mission and Vision

CORA’s mission is to provide nutritious food to community members ​facing food insecurity. We envision a healthy, strong, and connected ​community where all people have equitable access to abundant, safe, ​nutritious, and culturally relevant food. Through our work, we will help ​build a healthy Chatham County, a place where families thrive, children ​do well in school, and seniors do not face the stress of choosing between ​food and other necessities.

CORA is a member agency of

Chatham County United Way.

Stay Connected!

Visit our socials or get in touch via phone, email, or mail.

Phone

(919) 542-5020

Email

info@corafoodpantry.org

address

40 Camp Drive

PO Box 1326

Pittsboro, NC 27312