The Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC
CORA has partnered with the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina (FBCENC) for more than 30 years, and this relationship has been instrumental to our ability to serve the community. As a community affiliate, we are able to purchase food at significantly reduced costs, receive generous in-kind donations, and provide vital resources through federal nutrition programs such as the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). These programs ensure that children, families, and seniors facing food insecurity have reliable access to nutritious meals. In FY2025 alone, CORA received more than 460,000 pounds of in-kind food from FBCENC and federal sources. This partnership strengthens our purchasing power, expands the variety of healthy food we can offer, and enables us to stretch limited resources further, allowing us to serve thousands more neighbors in need with dignity and compassion.
PORCH Communities
CORA is proud to partner with PORCH Communities through the incredible work of PORCH Chatham, one of many chapters nationwide. Aligned with our mission to provide nutritious food to those facing food insecurity, PORCH Chatham mobilizes over 100 volunteers across more than 20 neighborhoods to collect food and monetary donations through monthly porch-based food drives. Over the past year alone, their efforts have yielded more than 109,000 pounds of essential items, including cereal, tuna, olive oil, rice, and vegetables—helping to keep our shelves stocked and our neighbors nourished. The impact of this grassroots generosity is truly powerful.
UNC School of Nursing
CORA is proud to partner with the UNC School of Nursing, whose students visit our organization once a week during the school year to provide free health screenings to our community members. These screenings include checks for blood pressure, diabetes, mental health, and glaucoma, offering critical early detection and support to neighbors who may face barriers to healthcare. This collaboration not only enhances the well-being of those we serve but also strengthens the connection between health and food security in our community.
Chatham Reads
CORA is grateful to partner with Chatham Reads, a community initiative dedicated to making literacy and reading resources accessible to all residents of Chatham County. Through this partnership, CORA offers free books to children visiting our pantry, and families are invited to choose one book per child at every visit. This simple yet meaningful resource supports early literacy, encourages a love of reading, and helps ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive beyond the table.
Chatham Trades
CORA partners with Chatham Trades, a nonprofit that employs and trains adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their team members pack food boxes for our SNACK! program, helping feed children across Chatham County. Chatham Trades also generously donates warehouse space, allowing CORA to store much-needed food at no cost. In addition, they serve as our Siler City landlords and are wonderful partners to work with. This collaboration strengthens both our operational efficiency and our commitment to workforce inclusion.
Inter-Faith Food Shuttle
CORA is proud to partner with Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, whose support has been instrumental in our expansion into a new pantry in Siler City. As a member of the Feeding America network of food banks, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle helps us provide nutritious food to neighbors who may face barriers to access. This partnership not only increases the availability of healthy food in our community but also strengthens our shared mission of building a stronger, hunger-free Chatham County.