Join Aaron Keck every Tuesday afternoon for Chatham County Roundup, a recurring series that shines the spotlight on Chatham County through engaging discussions and interviews with locals, newsmakers, officials and more. 

This week on Chatham County Roundup, join Aaron Keck for a conversation with Melissa Driver Beard, executive director of the CORA Food Pantry.

“We serve any resident in Chatham County in need of emergency food or resources,” said Beard. “We have been in business for about 31 years, started off serving just a few families every year, and this past year served well over 15,000 families in the area. So, we’ve really grown.”

The difference made by CORA in the lives of Chatham County residents has been made especially apparent during the last few months.

“As you might imagine, during the past eight months, we’ve seen the need skyrocket,” said Beard. “Just since March, we’ve served over 700 families who are new to us and have never had to ask for assistance or for food before. So, you know, it’s redefining the face of hunger and food insecurity and Chatham County, and I’m so pleased that we’ve been able to be resilient and that we’ve had the support of the entire community and that we’ve been able to meet the need of everyone that showed up at our door.”

Listen below for the full conversation, and tune in weekly for conversations about Chatham County happenings, people, news and more.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Related Stories
‹
Chatham County Roundup: "On The Porch" Host Randy Voller
Former Pittsboro Mayor and Host of "On The Porch" Randy Voller spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, April 24. He discussed recent trends in the Chatham and Orange County real estate markets, with a specific focus on what inventory is available on the affordable end of the market. He also discussed news and events around Pittsboro and more.
'Everyone Deserves to Have Healthy Nutrition': CORA Food Pantry Holds Reopening
Staff, volunteers, and community members gathered to watch the ceremonial red ribbon be cut to signify the opening of the new CORA Pantry.
Chatham County Roundup: CORA's Rebecca Hankins
Development and Communications Director for CORA Rebecca Hankins spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, May 24th.  She discussed the summer SNACK program that provides groceries to families in need over the summer months. She also discussed the upcoming reopening of their on-site shopping facility.
Chatham County Commissioner Shares Budgeting, Preservation Approaches
April is a busy time for local governments, as they work to finalize and approve budget plans for the upcoming fiscal year. In a growing community like Chatham County, it can be even busier based on ongoing and future projects. Chair of the Chatham County Commissioners Karen Howard joined 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey for […]
On Air Today: Melissa Driver Beard with CORA Food Pantry
As CORA Food Pantry holds its annual Holiday Food Drive, Executive Director Melissa Driver Beard joins 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell to talk about the local need during the holiday season and the pantry's upcoming Turkey Tuesday. Sponsored by the CORA Food Pantry.
Seeking 'Redemption,' Chapel Hill Chef Heads Back to the Food Network
Local chef Sera Cuni, co-owner of the Root Cellar, is heading back to the Food Network to try to earn a little bit of "redemption."
Chatham County Roundup: County Commissioner Karen Howard
Chatham County Commissioner Karen Howard joins 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell for this week’s Chatham County Roundup segment! Howard brings details on the county’s new budget, the library’s fine-free pilot program, Juneteenth and more.
Chatham County Roundup: County Commissioner Karen Howard
Chatham County Commissioner Karen Howard joins 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell for this week's Chatham County Roundup. She brings updates on some things returning to normal at commissioner meetings next week, as well as efforts to continue vaccinating residents against COVID-19. Plus: several Juneteenth and Chatham 250 events are coming up!
Chatham County Roundup: Hannah McClellan of the Chatham News+ Record
As the school year finishes for most of our local school districts, education reporter Hannah McClellan with the Chatham News + Record joins 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell for this week's Chatham County Roundup. McClellan shares details on how the Chatham County Public Schools district is reflecting on the academic year and looking ahead to the next. Plus: how is CCS providing services to its Hispanic students and parents?
Chatham County Roundup: County Commissioner Karen Howard
Chatham County Commissioner Karen Howard joins 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell for this week's Chatham County Roundup! Ahead of a decision on the proposed budget for the next fiscal year, she shares updates on how the county government has made tweaks. Howard also shares thoughts on a shift in resources for the Chatham County Public Health Department and changes for Chatham County Public Schools.
›