Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Lowcountry Food Bank’s values of Integrity, Respect, Commitment, Equity, Collaboration and Kindness guide our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) work. In doing so we commit to:
Hidden Row
Provide Equitable Food Access
We commit to provide equitable access to nutritious food throughout our service area and we work to ensure fair food distribution to serve all our neighbors across the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina. We believe food is a basic human right and know we must continue to work on the disproportionate impact that food insecurity, and other inequities such as health, education, housing, and economic opportunity, have on those who have been systemically marginalized in South Carolina, specifically communities of color and those in more rural areas.
Intentional Listening and Learning to Advance EDI
We commit to being an active listener to individuals with lived and living expertise, always learning, and being intentional in our EDI efforts. We strive for a neighbor-centered approach in all our work. We will assess and revise our beliefs, policies, and procedures as needed to advance Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion among our staff, partners, and for the neighbors we serve.
Commitment to Support Authenticity
We commit to fostering a work environment that enables staff to show up authentically and celebrates our diversity. We work to earn the trust of our staff, partners, and the communities we serve and believe empathy for others should guide our daily and long-term efforts.
Find Real Solutions to Fight Hunger and Food Insecurity
We expect our community to hold us accountable and will work with, and draw from, the diversity of our community to confront and overcome hunger, addressing the intersection of food insecurity and other social determinants of health. Through our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion work, we support our vision of a nourished and thriving coastal South Carolina.
We are committed to the importance of the journey around equity, diversity and inclusion.
Our EDI Commitment
Since 2021, LCFB has embarked on a journey to learn about Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and what it means to our communities, our neighbors, our staff, and partners. While we know this journey does not have an ending, we are proud of the efforts we have made over the last few years. The timeline below highlights some of the achievements that have taken place recently.
In 2024, action items from our EDI workplan include:
- Developing an EDI new-hire training for all staff through an online learning module that is specific to LCFB – focused on creating an inclusive workplace culture.
- Research through the Feeding America network that focuses on how our sister food banks are working on policies for donor alignment to our values, procuring culturally relevant food options for our neighbors, engaging in EDI through our partner agency network, and ensuring that we compensate those with lived experience who provide support to LCFB.
- Making EDI resources and trainings available to all staff and developing a training for our front desk to ensure we understand and are mindful of the experiences of our neighbors who visit us in person.
Our Board of Directors and Leadership Team remain committed to integrate Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in all facets of LCFB’s work. Our EDI efforts do not stand alone, but are woven into the foundation of how we work. We know we still have much to learn, and with support from external consultants and partners, we are confident that we are on the right path.
