Starting in January, we’re hosting sessions for chapter leads and coordinators to come together, get organized, and set up a pantry relationship and food drive model that works for your chapter. We’ll walk through the roles and responsibilities, share ideas for welcoming more community members, and ensure everyone feels confident about how the monthly collection process works. Our goal is to help new chapters get off to a strong, positive start, beginning with a great partnership between leads and coordinators.
You can schedule a 30, 45, or 60-minute meeting with Zakiya, Alyssa, and Jennifer. This session is best when the chapter lead and coordinators attend together, but we will meet with leads if you don't have a coordinator yet.
📩 Your PORCH email is more important in 2026 📩
As we integrate the PORCH website with our database system, key communications will be routed through your chapter’s PORCH email address. Beginning in 2026, the newsletters and marketing, donor notifications, and new volunteer sign-ups will be sent to this email. Please check your PORCH email regularly, at a minimum once per week, so you don’t miss important updates.
Other reasons why you need to use your PORCH email:
It shows donors and volunteers that you represent PORCH, building trust and credibility.
It keeps communications aligned with the PORCH brand and identity, helping people recognize your work as part of the larger PORCH network.
It keeps PORCH emails separate from your personal inbox, making it easier to stay organized and preventing important messages from getting lost.
If you leave your role, the PORCH email ensures a smooth handoff while preserving communication history.
Brand Power: PORCH Brand Guide 101
Sharing PORCH Communities using our established brand guidelines for approved colors, logos, fonts, and terminology strengthens PORCH identity across every community and state. A unified brand makes PORCH immediately recognizable and trusted, and helps ensure that each local chapter is clearly understood as part of one coordinated, professional movement addressing food insecurity.
Consistent branding builds credibility with donors, partners, and the public, increases recognition and confidence in our work, and makes it easier for people to connect local impact to the broader PORCH Communities mission. Clear, uniform messaging also improves public awareness and understanding of who we are, what we do, and why it matters.
Please refer to the Brand Guide 101 (found on Front PORCH), materials, and resources in Canva, and ask us for help. Zakiya can assist with messaging and language, while Alyssa can assist with design and branding in Canva and social media.
PORCH Franklinton, NC
Brittany purchased brown paper bags from Aldi, left them with her neighbors, and included a "Porch Get Involved" postcard stapled to each one. PORCH Franklinton's first collection was 500 pounds.
"Everyone I spoke with while outreaching to new neighborhoods was so excited to participate! Here are some comments from a neighborhood I contacted about joining: "Thank you for bringing this mission to our neighborhood!" "Thank you for doing this. I’d love to add stuff, but every Wednesday for the past 10 years, I also do a food pantry at Unity Baptist Church on 96 Youngsville and then will take leftovers to ACIM in Oxford...Brittany, this is such a wonderful idea to help those in need. God bless you🙏"
Please keep sharing your photos. They put your chapter story in perspective for others to see and want to join in as well.
Sharing PORCH: Webpage vs Social Media
Your chapter webpage and your social media each play an important role and work together. Your webpage is your chapter’s home base. It’s where new volunteers learn what your chapter is all about, how it works, and how to sign up, and where donors can learn about the mission and make a gift. It stays fairly consistent, which helps build clarity and trust.
Social media is your chapter’s “right now” space. It’s where you share collection dates, what items are needed, which pantry you’re supporting, and any updates or changes. It’s also a great place to celebrate volunteers, thank donors, and show the impact your chapter is making in the community.
This matters because about 20% of new volunteers discover PORCH through social media. Your webpage helps turn that interest into sign-ups, while social media keeps your community informed, engaged, and connected.
The Front PORCH is your go-to space for tools, tips, and teachings to help you build and grow your neighborhood or chapter. We're always adding more so check often for new items. Also, don't hesitate to email us for a resource that doesn't yet exist. Ensure you're signed into your PORCH email to have full access to all materials.
Liz Platner, chapter lead for PORCH Marietta GA, asked, "when/how do you weigh your donations? By neighborhood as they drop off? Do your NCs weigh before dropping off?" Join GroupMe to read more...
September 2025 - Tips on storytelling, volunteers, donations
October 2025 - SNAP cuts, welcoming/thanking volunteers, Giving Tuesday
Nov 2025 - Lead/Coordinator training, PORCH models, donation form
