This year, our Duke Journal for Health Equity (DJHE) team worked together to participate in two core service projects. For our first project, we volunteered at Root Causes, a Durham-based organization that facilitates “clinic-community partnerships to reduce barriers impacting access to healthy foods, housing, and environments, as well as providing support for voter registration and safe exercise participation” (Root Causes). Specifically, DJHE participated in their Fresh Produce Program (FPP), in which we stored, packed, and delivered Root Causes’ locally-sourced fresh produce (i.e. fruits and vegetables) to members of the Durham community who are in need and food insecure.

Additionally, our second event of the year took place during Health Equity Week. We based this initiative on our success last year in partnering with the Duke Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS). Together, on March 21st, 2024, we hosted a food drive for the Durham Community Food Pantry which works to end food insecurity in both Durham and Orange County through weekly food distributions and a mobile food pantry. The food drive took place on Bryan Center Plaza, where MAPS and DJHE collected boxes and bags full of non-perishable food items for the pantry.