As we reflect on 2024—our 42nd year of service—we recognize that while the future remains uncertain in many ways, our commitment to our neighbors in coastal South Carolina is unwavering. Looking ahead to the remainder of 2025 and beyond, I’m energized by the many ways we’re working to create a community where everyone has access to the nourishment they need to thrive.
In a world where change is constant, we remain firmly grounded in our mission: ensuring our neighbors have consistent access to healthy food. This past year, more than 184,000 individuals in our service area faced food insecurity, a number that has now risen to over 204,000, or 13% of the population, the highest rate in two decades. And yet, despite these challenges, we have achieved significant progress.
We’re proud that 38% of the food we distributed in 2024 was fresh produce—supporting local farmers, our aging population, veterans, and families impacted by the rising cost of living. We also prioritized the well-being of children by distributing more than 151,000 meals. In total, 68% of all food distributed last year included fresh produce, protein, and dairy—ensuring our neighbors receive the nourishment they deserve.
These achievements are only possible thanks to the generosity of our partners, donors, staff, and volunteers. Together, we are adapting to evolving needs while staying true to our strategic framework—a roadmap that allows us to serve with both intention and agility.
- Strategic Success: As we reached the midpoint of our three-year strategic framework, we consistently met—and often exceeded—the needs of our neighbors, guided by clear goals, measurable outcomes, and cross-departmental collaboration
- Record Distribution: We distributed more than 45 million pounds of food—equal to 36.25 million meals—the largest annual amount in our history. Of that, 68% is whole food (produce, protein, dairy), up from 47% in 2018
- Retail Recovery: We rescued 15.6 million pounds of food through our retail partners, with a 12% increase in recovery by partner agencies.
- Operational Excellence: Our operations team has continued to innovate, driving efficiencies and overcoming obstacles to meet growing demand.
- Southern Regional Food Center: Construction of our new 20,000 sq. ft. facility in Hampton County kept on track for 2025 completion. The center will expand regional capacity, support local farmers, and offer space for community programming.
- Fundraising Milestones:
– Raised over $600K through our 25th Chefs’ Feast event.
– Set a Giving Tuesday record with $467K raised.
– Secured over $2M in New Market Tax Credits and $660K from the SC Dept. of Agriculture for our new southern region center. - Innovative Access Solutions:
– Piloted “food lockers” in Horry County for convenient, on-demand access to food.
– Improved our “Find Food” platform to help neighbors locate nearby resources more easily. - Agency and Community Support:
– Invested in equipment like refrigeration and shelving.
– Increased partner agency service hours by over 10%.
– Launched neighbor listening sessions and adopted a system to better track community engagement. - Volunteer Impact:
– Volunteers contributed over 40,000 hours—equivalent to 20 full-time staff members or $1.4M in labor. - Recognition:
– Received the inaugural Richard Hendry Non-Profit Impact Award from Coastal Community Foundation. - Food Safety and Quality:
– Achieved stellar AIB audit scores of 955 (Myrtle Beach) and 930 (Charleston).
Looking Ahead: Priorities for 2025 and Beyond
- Food Access for Our Neighbors: We remain focused on closing the meal gap, particularly in high-need areas, while helping shape service standards through our participation in Feeding America’s Service Requirements Cohort
- Fundraising for the Future: Our inclusion in the Fundraising Planning Institute cohort will help us build long-term fundraising strategies to sustain our impact.
- Maximizing Our Regional Food Centers: Operationalizing the new Early Branch southern region facility while optimizing workflows across all three regional centers.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Leveraging GIS mapping and data analysis to deepen our understanding and better respond to local needs.
- System Modernization: Implementing Ceres 6.0 to streamline inventory and financial operations and strengthen organizational clarity and efficiency.
- Partner Capacity Building: Scaling pilot programs like the food lockers and continuing to equip partners with the tools they need to succeed.
- People & Culture: Enhancing employee engagement, fostering internal collaboration, and launching talent development and succession planning initiatives.
- Program Expansion: Growing our volunteer and community programs, and adapting quickly to emerging challenges—whether serving seniors, veterans, or children in need.
I’m proud of how far we’ve come—and inspired by what lies ahead. Whether through emergency food support or long-term community transformation, we’re helping our neighbors live with dignity, security, and hope. Thank you for your dedication and service, and for being part of a shared vision of a nourished and thriving coastal South Carolina.
Warmly,
Nick Osborne
President and CEO
This article was originally published in our 2024 Annual Impact Report.
About the Lowcountry Food Bank: Feed. Advocate. Empower.
The Lowcountry Food Bank serves the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina and distributed more than 45 million pounds of food in 2024. The Lowcountry Food Bank helps neighbors thrive by distributing food to nearly 240 partner agencies including on-site meal programs, homeless shelters, and emergency food pantries. The Lowcountry Food Bank advocates on behalf of those who experience hunger and helps empower people to make healthy and nutritious food choices. For more information, visit the Lowcountry Food Bank website.
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