The inextricable issues of access to healthy food and community development continue to play out in news stories across the state.

In Charleston, the Bi-Lo, a longtime fixture of the upper peninsula, closed leaving many residents without a place to buy food, have prescriptions filled, or buy diapers. A recent article out of Columbia addresses the disparities in the city's revitalization, including lack of access to healthy food. In Spartanburg, community leaders continue to work to develop a multifaceted approach to increase food access and development in the Northside Neighborhood, a long time food desert community. 

 

Several members of the SC Food Access Task Force are using food businesses to spur community development throughout the state, some of which are highlighted in these articles, including FoodShare in Columbia, Hub City Farmers Market in Spartanburg, and Lowcountry Street Grocery in Charleston. As new development continues to take place throughout our state, the challenge is upon us to ensure that this development is inclusive and provides opportunities for people, regardless of their zip code.

 

Food is a powerful tool for building and revitalizing communities, and the Task Force remains committed to using food oriented development to lift all communities. 

 

In partnership,

Anna Hamilton Lewin

Chief Operating Officer