Over one million South Carolinians live in food deserts, meaning they have limited access to healthy food. The impact food deserts have on our health is undeniable: South Carolina ranks 43rd in overall health indicators. Fortunately for the 1 in 5 residents who struggle to access nutritious food, community members and hopeful entrepreneurs are creating innovative, market-driven solutions to the problem. And South Carolina Community Loan Fund's Feeding Innovation program was created to help these aspiring business owners feed their communities. 

Germaine Jenkins of Fresh Future Farm was the inaugural Feeding Innovation winner in 2014. Just three years later, she has turned her seed money into a bustling urban farm which provides fresh, locally grown produce to a neighborhood that hasn't been home to a grocery store for over 11 years. 

Germaine says Feeding Innovation wasn't just about the seed money; she received training and guidance which was critical to the launch of Fresh Future Farm. The process helped her solidify her business plan and offered perspective on strategies for success. 

"I want to be the first farmer here," says Germaine, "but not the only one."

You can help more fledgling organizations like Fresh Future Farm once was by supporting SCCLF on Midlands Gives Day!

By making a $20 minimum donation on May 2nd at www.MidlandsGives.org/SCCLF, you and other innovation investors will be part of a future entrepreneur's vision of a market-driven approach to increasing healthy food access. You'll also be part of SCCLF's vision of a more equitable South Carolina. 

Visit our Midlands Gives profile to learn more about your generosity can support the Feeding Innovation program.