The Fight Against Hunger BY ALLYSON JONES
“There is a misconception that people who struggle with hunger are unemployed. In fact, over 50% of households served by the Feeding America network of food banks are employed,” according to the Lowcountry Food Bank. “Even with a job, many people struggle to get by due to challenges like underemployment, low wages and the rising cost of living.” The USDA defines food security as “access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life.” The pandemic greatly increased food insecurity throughout South Carolina and across the nation. The local hospitality industry was especially hard hit. “In 2020, in the coastal counties of South Carolina that Lowcountry Food Banks serves, 12.6% of adults (185,580 people) are food insecure, which is 29% higher than in 2019. 18.2% of children (55,260 children) are food insecure, a 38% 54
TASTEOFHILTONHEAD.COM
•
PHOTO COURTESY SANDALWOOD COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY
increase over 2019.” Highlighted are just three of the hundreds of food banks, food rescue organizations and food pantries who work together to fight hunger throughout the year. All appreciate monetary and food donations, as well volunteers donating their time and talents to help feed neighbors in need.
Lowcountry Food Bank
Founded in 1983, Lowcountry Food Bank is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization fighting hunger by serving more than 200,000 food-insecure individuals in the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina – Horry, Williamsburg, Georgetown, Dorchester, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Hampton, Jasper and Beaufort – through three distribution centers located in Charleston, Yemassee and Myrtle Beach. One of the most successful food banks in the country, the organization collects,
purchases, rescues and sorts donated food at its distribution centers to feed food-insecure individuals through nearly 300 community partner agencies, such as churches, on-site feeding programs at schools, senior programs, veteran’s groups and shelters, as well as stocking food pantries. Partners are provided with fresh fruits and vegetables, shelf-stable food, equipment, nutrition materials and food safety training. Lowcountry Food Bank also directly distributes food at mobile events in communities throughout coastal South Carolina to reach those who may not have access to a food pantry. Over the years, the organization has grown to include more than 75 employees and 5,000 volunteers, including dozens of drivers in a fleet of refrigerated box trucks and trailers, tractors and cargo vans who pick up food from nearly 70 retail partners several times a week and from
