Community Foundation of the Lowcountry Launches “Helping Neighbors Fund” to Combat Food Insecurity

For more than 30 years, CFL has led community-driven responses to crises across the Lowcountry, whether supporting recovery work after Hurricane Matthew or providing emergency assistance to nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic. With this new fund, CFL continues its efforts to support the region during the hardship caused by the current government shutdown.

The Helping Neighbors Fund will provide vital resources to local partner nonprofits that operate food pantries or supply food to food pantries across the region. Rising food costs and increased demand have strained community food pantries, and CFL’s timely action will help these organizations continue food distribution operations that support the most vulnerable residents. Currently, there are over 50 food pantries operating in the four-county region, and all are struggling to keep their shelves stocked.

Across the Lowcountry, thousands of households face increased food insecurity. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a critical federal anti-hunger program, currently is in jeopardy due to the shutdown. In CFL’s four-county service area, over 11,000 households rely on SNAP, with approximately half of those recipients being children under the age of 18.

CFL will be allocating 100% of donations to the Helping Neighbors Fund to local organizations combating hunger, and the allocations will occur on a weekly basis to ensure a prompt response.

To support CFL’s Helping Neighbors Fund, please visit https://lowcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=5191 or call 843-681-9100.