Partner agencies and those who run them are at the heart of The Food Bank’s work. Our mission is impossible without these incredible partners and selfless leaders. No person embodied the dedication found at these food pantries, soup kitchens and others more than Nina Porter, who helped feed her community for more than 20 years.
Through The Food Bank’s partner agencies, we serve 100,000 people a month throughout 32-counties. We’re proud to work with these organizations who develop a relationship with their communities through consistent care and a desire to help.
Nina was the steady soul behind the First Baptist Church Food Pantry in Canton. Her work as coordinator of the pantry ensured food-insecure people in Canton had a reliable place to get help.
Last November, Nina passed away at 79-years old. Those who knew her said it's no wonder why she helped feed her community. She grew up in a family of eight where food was lacking. "She was always the type of person that if we were having a meal for five people she made enough for 15 people,” said Chad Porter, one of her five children.
As the coordinator at the food pantry, Nina ordered food online, organized items by splitting donations into family units, managed the flow of the pantry, handled paperwork, and so much more. The Food Bank’s delivery truck came on Tuesdays, and she hosted the distribution on Friday once a month. Then, after Friday, they took it all back down.
Pat Franks, the secretary at First Baptist Church, was friends with Nina for 55 years. “She was wonderful,” Franks said when remembering how they would set up the pantry. “She would say, ‘Honey, could you help me? I would, you know, I would really appreciate it ...’ She was a real servant. She's always been like that.”
Sundays were busy for her as well. Porter was a Sunday school teacher, a vacation bible school teacher and part of the hospitality committee. After church, she always had her family and sometimes other people at their house for Sunday dinner. She didn’t always know who was coming but she always made enough food just in case.
A few years ago, Porter retired, and The Food Bank celebrated our appreciation for her. Soon after, the food pantry closed and moved to another location. Thanks to Nina, more than 250 to 300 families were served monthly.