--- title: "Historical Update: Responding to Food-Support Demand at DAO" description: This historical DAO Pantry notice is no longer current. Learn how DAO’s food-support program evolved into DAO Market and where to find support today. image: https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/An%20image%20of%20a%20food%20pantry%20with%20shelves%20nearly%20empty%20and%20volunteers%20assisting%20clients%20in%20need.jpeg --- [Skip to Content](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/daoblog/navigating-challenges-and-supporting-our-community#body) [![DAO logo](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2-1.png?width=50&height=50&name=2-1.png "DAO logo")](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/about-us?hsLang=en-ca) Toggle Menu - [Home](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/about-us) - [About](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/about-us) Toggle children for About - [Blog](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/daoblog) - [Contact us](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/en-ca/contact-us) - [Membership](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/en-ca/membership) - [Videos](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/about-us/videos) - [Programs](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/programs) Toggle children for Programs - [Pride Durham](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/pridedurham) - [Club 717](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/club717) Toggle children for Club 717 - [Advertising](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/advertising) - [Venue Rental](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/venue-rental) - [Peer-to-Peer (P2P)](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/breaking-the-binary) - [Pantry](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/programs/market) - [Education](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/education) Toggle children for Education - [Budgeting Basics](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/budgeting-basics) - Community Supports Toggle children for Community Supports - [Binders & Gaffs](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/programs/binder-gaffs-sign-up-sheet) - [Calming Kits](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/programs/calming-kits) - [Naloxone](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/programs/naloxone) - [Events](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/events) - Get Involved Toggle children for Get Involved - [Keep 717 Thriving](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/keep-thriving) - [Shop](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/store) - [Volunteer](https://www.vomevolunteer.com/organization-details/48c4382b-410e-433e-8cfd-ef28abed4bf3) - [Partners](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/partners) - [Donate](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/donate) Toggle children for Donate - [Benevity](https://causes.benevity.org/causes/124-756405874RR0001) - [Canada Helps](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/donate/canada-helps) - [Donate-A-Car](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/donate/donate-a-car) - [Kitchen Fundraiser](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/en-ca/kitchen-fundraiser) - [Securities](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/donate/securities) - [Contact](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/en-ca/contact-us) - Open Search Search Site Submit Search - [Get Support](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/supports) [Back to blog](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/daoblog) # Historical Update: Responding to Food-Support Demand at DAO [null](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/daoblog/topic/null?hsLang=en-ca) • 1 min read • Jun 26, 2024, 5:30:19 p.m. • Written by: Durham Alliance Outreach [mailto:?subject=Historical%20Update%3A%20Responding%20to%20Food-Support%20Demand%20at%20DAO&body=https%3A%2F%2Fdurhamallianceoutreach.org%2Fdaoblog%2Fnavigating-challenges-and-supporting-our-community](mailto:?subject=Historical%20Update%3A%20Responding%20to%20Food-Support%20Demand%20at%20DAO&body=https%3A%2F%2Fdurhamallianceoutreach.org%2Fdaoblog%2Fnavigating-challenges-and-supporting-our-community) **Historical notice:** This article was originally published during a period when DAO Pantry temporarily suspended new client intake because demand had exceeded available capacity. That temporary notice is no longer current. ## Looking Back at a Period of High Demand During the DAO Pantry era, Durham Alliance Outreach experienced periods of significant demand for food support. At one point, DAO made the difficult decision to temporarily pause new client intake so available resources could continue supporting people already using the program. This article is being preserved as part of the history of DAO’s food-security work rather than as a current service announcement. ## DAO Pantry Became DAO Market On August 6, 2026, DAO Pantry officially transitioned to the [DAO Market](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/programs/market?hsLang=en-ca). The DAO Market uses a more choice-based food-support model developed in partnership with [Feed the Need in Durham](https://feedtheneedindurham.ca/). The transition builds on lessons from the Pantry while helping DAO continue adapting to community needs. ## Need Food Support Today? Please do not rely on the intake information in the original version of this article. For current DAO Market information, including how the program works and how to access food support, visit the [DAO Market page](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/programs/market?hsLang=en-ca). People looking for other food-support options across Durham Region can also use [Feed the Need in Durham’s Find Food resources](https://feedtheneedindurham.ca/find-food/). ## Supporting Food Security in Durham Periods of high demand demonstrate why sustainable food-security programs, volunteers, donors, community partnerships, and reliable access to food are so important. To support DAO’s current work, you can [make a donation](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/donate?hsLang=en-ca) or explore volunteer opportunities through our [Vome Volunteer Hub](https://www.vomevolunteer.com/organization-details/48c4382b-410e-433e-8cfd-ef28abed4bf3). #### Reach the World. Giving Made Easy with Impact. [Get Started](https://www.example.com) ![](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/hubfs/DAO%20Logo%20Icon%20-%20FOR%20WEB.png) ###### Durham Alliance Outreach About Durham Alliance Outreach Durham Alliance Outreach (DAO) is a dedicated community organization committed to addressing food insecurity and supporting the 2SLGBTQI+ community in the Durham Region. With a mission to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all, DAO operates a variety of programs and services that provide essential resources and foster community resilience. Through initiatives like DAO Pantry, we ensure that individuals and families facing food insecurity have access to nutritious food and necessary support. Our efforts are powered by a passionate team of volunteers and generous contributions from our community partners. DAO is proud to collaborate with various local organizations, including Youth Pride Durham, the Municipality of Clarington, and the Durham District School Board, to amplify our impact and reach. Our work extends beyond food distribution; we are actively involved in advocacy, education, and community-building efforts. Join us in our mission to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness, every contribution helps us build a stronger, more resilient community. Our Latest ##### Related Articles ![](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/An%20image%20of%20a%20local%20business%20partnering%20with%20Durham%20Alliance%20Outreach%20DAO%20to%20support%20food%20insecurity%20programs%20in%20the%20Durham%20Region.jpeg?width=700&name=An%20image%20of%20a%20local%20business%20partnering%20with%20Durham%20Alliance%20Outreach%20DAO%20to%20support%20food%20insecurity%20programs%20in%20the%20Durham%20Region.jpeg) DAO ### [How Businesses Can Partner With Durham Alliance Outreach](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/daoblog/empower-your-business-partner-with-dao-for-social-good?hsLang=en-ca) ![](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/An%20image%20of%20individuals%20within%20the%202SLGBTQI%2B%20community%2c%20including%20trans%2c%20coming%20together%20for%20peertopeer%20support%2c%20either%20in%20oneonone%20interactions%20or%20gr.jpeg?width=700&name=An%20image%20of%20individuals%20within%20the%202SLGBTQI%2B%20community%2c%20including%20trans%2c%20coming%20together%20for%20peertopeer%20support%2c%20either%20in%20oneonone%20interactions%20or%20gr.jpeg) Resources ### [Peer Support at DAO: Building Connection Through Lived Experience](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/daoblog/empowering-connections-join-the-dao-peer-support-network?hsLang=en-ca) ![](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/A%20vibrant%20and%20inclusive%20community%20center%20in%20Oshawa%2c%20Ontario%2c%20dedicated%20to%20supporting%20the%202SLGBTQI%20community.jpeg?width=700&name=A%20vibrant%20and%20inclusive%20community%20center%20in%20Oshawa%2c%20Ontario%2c%20dedicated%20to%20supporting%20the%202SLGBTQI%20community.jpeg) Volunteers ### [Creating a Ripple of Change: DAO's Mission in Durham Region](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/daoblog/dao?hsLang=en-ca) ##### Don't Miss Out On Another Thing Sign up and Join Our Newsletter Today [![](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2.png?width=2000&height=2000&name=2.png)](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org?hsLang=en-ca) - [About Us](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/about-us) - [Blog](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/daoblog) - [Contact Us](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/en-ca/contact-us) - [Donate](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/donate) - [Newsletter](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/newsletter) - [Privacy Policy](https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/en-ca/privicy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Durham Alliance Outreach", "url" : "https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/daoblog/author/durham-alliance-outreach" }, "dateModified" : "2026-09-02T04:33:02.952Z", "datePublished" : "2024-06-26T21:30:19.000Z", "headline" : "Historical Update: Responding to Food-Support Demand at DAO", "image" : [ "https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/An%20image%20of%20a%20food%20pantry%20with%20shelves%20nearly%20empty%20and%20volunteers%20assisting%20clients%20in%20need.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/daoblog/navigating-challenges-and-supporting-our-community", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://durhamallianceoutreach.org/hubfs/2.png" }, "name" : "Durham Alliance Outreach" } } ```