HOPE in Lancaster, Inc. announces the arrival of the next FOODSHARE SC hub.  This new initiative offers a prepaid box of first-rate, fresh produce once or twice a month, year-round.  Anyone can purchase a box for themselves or for others at a cost of $15 per box.  Boxes contain 12-15 farm fresh produce item that retail stores s in s for $22-24.

The FOODSHARE program is endorsed and in cooperation with Eat Smart, Move More of Lancaster County; the Upper Midlands Rural Health Network; and the Lancaster County Health & Wellness Commission to create access to fresh and healthy food for residents of Lancaster County while alleviating food insecurity.  Recent Live Healthy SC survey results showed that many county residents desired to eat healthier but lack access due to food deserts and food insecurity.  “FOODSHARE’s vision is to ensure access to fresh produce for all in our communities.  Fresh, healthy food should not be limited to where you live, your racial and ethnic background, age, income, or whether or not your family has reliable transportation.” Irini Guda McCarthy, President of the Health & Wellness Commission.

HOPE is honored to join this collaboration, bringing FOODSHARE to Lancaster County residents and offering the program as part of our Agency’s focus to serve more of our neighbors. In July 2020, HOPE hired Tim Hale to oversee and manage the FOODSHARE Lancaster program.  “These boxes provide healthy, affordable alternatives to Lancaster County residents who reside in a food dessert. I am excited about the fact that you can make $100,000 a year or $10,000 a year and still get the same box of first rate, farm fresh produce to feed yourself and your family.” – Tim Hale.

HOPE will begin taking orders on from October 27th through November 12th.  Payment must be received in advance by cash or check to HOPE on 2008 Pageland Highway, Lancaster or by mail to HOPE PO Box 166, Lancaster, SC 29720.  Payments can also be made online with an additional processing fee of $1.00.  The first distribution of boxes is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, 2020.

To launch this new initiative effectively, HOPE needs to raise operating funds. On October 26, 2020 Mill Village Farms will offer a virtual “Culinary Concert.”  Proceeds from this event will financially benefit the launch of FOODSHARE Lancaster. Save the date. Come sip, sit & listen!

For more information regarding the FOODSHARE Program or the Culinary Concert, please contact Tim Hale at 803-289-9558 and check out our Culinary Concert blog.