CALHOUN COUNTY, S.C. – FoodShare South Carolina recently opened a hub in Calhoun County, making fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable and accessible for the community. This initiative is crucial in an area where about 14% of residents face food insecurity, meaning they struggle to access enough nutritious food.
Families can buy a 16-pound box of fresh produce for just $4 with EBT or SNAP benefits, or $20 cash for others. Ashley Page Bookhart, who leads programs and outreach for FoodShare, emphasized how these savings can free up money for other essentials, like gas for work or medical appointments. She said, “It’s more than just fruits and vegetables; it creates a ripple effect that impacts families significantly.”
Local resident Deborah Hormon added that she not only helps distribute food boxes but also seeks out those who may not have cash available to buy them. She highlighted the desperate need for unprocessed foods in her community, saying, “I will continue to do this because it makes a real difference in health and well-being.”
Eleanor Keller, another resident, pointed out that the only grocery store nearby is a Piggly Wiggly, highlighting the lack of options available to them. This new hub is more than just a food source; it’s a vital lifeline.
Recent statistics from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control show that in 2022, 42% of adults in the state did not eat fruit daily, surpassing the national average of 40%. These figures underscore the growing issue of food insecurity and the importance of initiatives like FoodShare’s.
Calhoun County Mayor Helen Carson noted how critical it became when people were unable to access their EBT benefits, creating a food crisis in the community. The new hub is FoodShare’s 24th location, with plans for more across South Carolina to help bridge these gaps.
In this way, the hub not only addresses immediate food needs but also contributes to improving overall health in the community. For more information, you can read further about FoodShare’s efforts here.
Source link
news,local news,FoodShare South Carolina,Calhoun County food insecurity,affordable produce South Carolina,SNAP EBT fresh vegetables,food access rural South Carolina,EBT and SNAP
