As we reflect on the past year and the impact we have made together, I am filled with gratitude for the community that makes our work possible. This annual report highlights the progress we achieved in 2025 on behalf of neighbors across coastal South Carolina, even amid continued uncertainty.
Families continue to face rising costs, economic pressures, and changing circumstances that can make it difficult to put food on the table. Yet through every challenge, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to our neighbors. Guided by our mission and strengthened by the generosity of our community, we will continue working to ensure that every neighbor has access to the food and resources they need—not only today, but for years to come.
Our Mission is Reflected in the Work We Do for our Neighbors
At the heart of everything we do is our mission to unite our community in pursuit of equitable, dignified, and consistent access to food. As you read this report, you will see that mission reflected in the partnerships we strengthened, the innovations we embraced, and the millions of meals delivered throughout our region. Together, we are advancing our vision of a nourished and thriving coastal South Carolina, guided by our values of integrity, respect, commitment, equity, collaboration, and kindness.
In 2025, we proudly distributed more than 42 million pounds of food and essential products—the equivalent of more than 35 million meals. Behind those numbers are neighbors facing challenges with resilience and determination, and a community that continues to come together in support of one another. Throughout the year, we focused on meeting neighbors where they are, listening closely to their evolving needs, and adapting our approach to better serve them.
Meaningful Improvements Realized
Neighbor feedback, agency partnerships, and data-informed decision-making shaped meaningful improvements across our network. Through grants and operational support, we helped partner food pantries expand access, improve efficiency, and better serve their communities. We also expanded retail rescue efforts by more than one million pounds, added new food locker locations in Horry County, and continued transforming our volunteer program, with volunteer engagement surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
To ensure we remain strong and responsive, we conducted a comprehensive organizational risk assessment and upgraded our ERP platform, strengthening our ability to manage resources and respond to changing conditions. We also remained committed to providing
whole foods, with 67% of all food distributed consisting of fresh produce, protein, and dairy products. Through nutrition education programs, we continued equipping neighbors with tools and knowledge to support healthier lives.
Our Community Steps Up in Uncertain Times
Like many organizations, we faced uncertainty related to funding cuts, government shutdown disruptions, and broader economic pressures. During these times, our community responded with extraordinary generosity. Donors, volunteers, partner agencies, and advocates stepped forward to help ensure food continued reaching neighbors who needed it most. We are deeply grateful for that support. These challenges reinforced the importance of adaptability and innovation, ultimately strengthening our ability to respond to emerging needs.
We Remain Focused in 2026 and Beyond
As we look toward 2026 and beyond, we remain focused on building a stronger and more resilient future for coastal South Carolina. Listening to neighbors will continue to guide our work, ensuring that programs and services reflect the realities people face every day. Their voices will remain central to how we identify needs, develop solutions, and measure impact.
Our Southern Region Facility Helps Expand Our Operations
The continued growth of our Southern Regional Facility will play an important role in that future. We look forward to expanding its operations, including the repack room, where locally grown produce is washed, prepared, and packaged for distribution in partnership with the Gullah Farmers Cooperative Association. Additional opportunities, including food safety training, bulk meat processing capabilities, and a teaching kitchen—will further strengthen regional food access while supporting local agriculture and community health.
Strategically Prepared to Realize our Vision
We will also continue enhancing our readiness through the development of our Operational Response Plan in partnership with Feeding America. This plan will help guide our efforts to achieve a nourished and thriving coastal South Carolina by ensuring we remain prepared, responsive, and focused on equitable food access. It also reinforces our commitment to listening and learning from those who have experienced food insecurity and working alongside partners across our community to address its root causes.
Our Strategic Framework Guides our Work
Another important priority is the refresh of our Strategic Framework. Throughout the coming year, we will continue to engage staff, board members, volunteers, donors, partner agencies, and neighbors in this process. For release in 2027, this framework will help guide our work while reflecting the voices, needs, and aspirations of the communities we serve.
We Remain Dedicated to Meaningful Progress – Your Continued Support is Crucial
While challenges remain, including rising food costs, supply chain pressures, and increasing food insecurity—we face the future with confidence. We know that meaningful progress happens when communities work together, and we remain committed to our guiding principles: Feed. Advocate. Empower.
Thank you for standing with Lowcountry Food Bank. Because of your generosity, compassion, and belief in our mission, millions of meals reached neighbors across coastal South Carolina this year. Together, we are creating a future where every neighbor has equitable access to the food they need to thrive.
As the need for our services continues to grow, so does the importance of sustained community support. With your partnership, we can meet the challenges ahead, strengthen our communities, and ensure that every neighbor has access to the nourishment and dignity they deserve.
With gratitude,
Nick Osborne
President & CEO
Lowcountry Food Bank
About the Lowcountry Food Bank: Feed. Advocate. Empower.
Lowcountry Food Bank serves the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina and distributed more than 42 million pounds of food in 2025. The Lowcountry Food Bank helps fight hunger 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 food insecurity and helps empower people to make healthy and nutritious food choices. For more information, visit the Lowcountry Food Bank website.
Recent Comments