FAQs

We realize that addressing hunger issues may come with many questions. How? Where? Lowcountry Food Bank has put together this collection of frequently asked questions to help address some of the more common inquiries we receive.

General Questions

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What is food insecurity?

Food insecurity, as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food. Hunger is an individual-level physiological condition that may result from food insecurity.

In 2023, in the coastal counties of South Carolina that Lowcountry Food Banks serves, the food insecurity rate was 12% of the population. Nearly 50% of the neighbors we serve are children and seniors.

How does Lowcountry Food Bank get food to the people who need it?

Once Lowcountry Food Bank receives, inspects, and sorts food at either of our three regional distribution centers (Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Yemassee), our 230+ partner agencies distribute food to those who experience food insecurity. Agencies include faith-based food pantries, on-site feeding programs, residential facilities, and direct-service, non-profit organizations. Agencies are responsible for nearly 90% of the total pounds of food we distribute, including fresh produce. Some agencies pick up food at Lowcountry Food Bank for their distribution, or we may deliver food to them.

What geographic areas does the Lowcountry Food Bank serve?

Lowcountry Food Bank serves the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina, which covers about 9,000 square miles of the state. Our Northern region is comprised of Horry, Williamsburg and Georgetown counties. Our Tri-County region is comprised of Dorchester, Berkeley and Charleston counties. Our Southern regional facility serves Colleton, Hampton, Jasper, and Beaufort counties.

How is food transported to our partner agencies?

Lowcountry Food Bank has a fleet of trucks, including 16 refrigerated box trucks, two 53’ refrigerated trailers, one 38’ refrigerated trailer, three tractors and three cargo vans. About a dozen Lowcountry Food Bank professional drivers traveled 325,004 miles to deliver food in 2023.

Lowcountry Food Bank drivers pick up food from about 57 retail partners three to four times every week. Drivers pick up food from farmers during harvest season – January through November.

Does the Lowcountry Food Bank provide mobile food distributions in the communities it serves?

To help provide equitable food distribution where it is needed, Lowcountry Food Bank also holds direct mobile food distributions in communities throughout coastal South Carolina to reach our neighbors who may not have access to a food pantry.

Does the Lowcountry Food Bank distribute fresh fruits and vegetables to people who experience food insecurity?

Yes! 42% of the food that Lowcountry Food Bank distributed in 2023, about 18 million pounds, was fresh produce. We focus on both the amount of hunger relief we provide and access to nutritious food. We strive to provide equitable access to food sources throughout the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina we serve.

What’s the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?

Food banks are nonprofit organizations that collect, purchase, and rescue donated food to feed individuals who experience food insecurity through the food bank’s community partners and agencies. The Food Bank is a distribution center where the food is gathered, sorted, inspected for safety, and then made available to agencies, community partners or food pantries. Food pantries are the partner agencies and churches that distribute food directly to their communities.

What’s most helpful to donate – food or money?

The best way to support Lowcountry Food Bank is through financial donations or by hosting a virtual fundraiser. Monetary donations help provide the highest quality of food and create more meals for our neighbors.

Does Lowcountry Food Bank have food safety standards?

    Lowcountry Food Bank has strict standards for routine food handling protocols to ensure food safety. We have regular food safety inspections from national, independent entities (like USDA, AIB, and Feeding America) and work to maintain the highest level of cleanliness and sanitation for the safety of the food we provide to our partner agencies, as well as those who enter our facilities to support our work.

    Food & Fund Drive Questions

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    What is the difference between a virtual fundraiser and a food drive?

    A virtual fundraiser event is hosted online by an organization or an individual with the goal to raise monetary funds. A virtual fundraiser involves a nonprofit campaign or event that takes place entirely online or virtually, allowing supporters to engage with Lowcountry Food Bank from anywhere to raise monetary funds.   

    A food drive is defined as physically collecting food for people who experience food insecurity.

    Why host a virtual food drive instead of a traditional food drive?

    Did you know that a food bank purchases healthy and nutritious food at a much lower cost than the average consumer who shops in a grocery store? At Lowcountry Food Bank, we purchase fresh produce, meat and dairy items by the truckload. We can make your monetary donation go so much further than donated food items. When you host a virtual food drive, you are helping provide nutritious, perishable food items that provide much-needed nutrition to those in our community who experience hunger. Our mission at Lowcountry Food Bank is not only to feed our community but to provide nutritious and healthy options.

    Can I collect food items myself to support a specific program?

    To make our programs the most efficient, we procure and purchase items pre-approved or recommended by the USDA and/or MUSC health dietitians. Because we try to feed as many people as possible, we purchase these items well in advance and in large quantities. Lowcountry Food Bank follows DHEC food safety laws, which help us maintain the integrity of our food supply. Learn more about collecting food items for Lowcountry Food Bank.

    How can I make the most of my food or fund drive?

    We offer several resources to help our supporters host a food drive. Below are links to guides, checklist and more.

    What are the items that the Lowcountry Food Bank needs most?

    These are the items that we need the most:

    • Canned tuna and meats
    • Low-sugar cereals
    • Baby food
    • Peanut butter
    • Whole grain rice, pasta and oats
    • 100% fruit juice
    • Low-sodium soups and stews
    • Canned fruits and vegetables

    Does Lowcountry Food Bank provide collection boxes for my food drive and how do I get them?

    Unfortunately, food drive boxes are no longer available. In an effort to minimize our carbon footprint, we are asking food drive participants to reuse any sort of cardboard boxes you already have. Amazon or USPS boxes are most common.

    Thank you for understanding and we hope this doesn’t cause too much of an inconvenience for you.

    Charleston Facility

    Upon arriving to our Charleston facility, please use the driveway on the right side of the building and go to the second bay door where you can ring the buzzer and someone will help you load supplies. When dropping off your donation, please bring your filled boxes back to this same location.

    Myrtle Beach/Yemassee Locations

    A member of our staff will be glad to help you at the main entrance to these locations.

    Can Lowcountry Food Bank pick up my donation?

    We greatly appreciate donations being brought to our facility, which allows our drivers to focus on delivering food to our neighbors in need. However, in the event that you cannot, we can schedule a pickup for a minimum of 500 pounds/canned goods. Please note that we need at least 5+ business days notice to schedule a pickup.

    How do I get a receipt for my donation?

    If you would like a receipt for your donation, it is imperative that you ask for and completely fill one out with a food bank employee when dropping off your donation. This ensures you leave with a receipt in hand and that we have accurate information to send you a thank you letter. The letter will also formally recognize your donation for tax purposes.

    Who should I contact with fund drive questions?

    If you have questions about hosting a fund drive, contact us.

    Who should I contact if I have food drive related questions?

    If you have questions about hosting a food drive, please contact us.