Continuing the conversation on language and literacy as social determinants of health, having limited English proficiency can be a very real barrier to accessing food. The stigma sometimes associated with asking for food assistance can make it hard in the first place for someone to seek out a food pantry or food distribution. Add to that a language barrier and it can be enough to prevent a neighbor from even trying. From knowing how to find a pantry to understanding how to navigate around one when you get there, to making sense of the questions that may be asked and the information you may need to provide, a lot could stand in the way of someone receiving essential food. And, if the pantry, meal site, or other resource provider doesn’t have a staff member or volunteer who speaks your language, it creates a communication barrier on both sides.
The Lowcountry is becoming increasingly diverse, with the Latino community being one of the fastest-growing populations. Lowcountry Food Bank is taking several steps to minimize or eliminate the language barrier for our neighbors. So far, we have:
- Translated key materials like our Food Finder cards into Spanish
- Installed technology in our main office that allows us to have instantaneous, easy back-and-forth communication with non-English speaking guests
- Formed partnerships with individuals and organizations already working within diverse communities – and have earned the trust of neighbors.
We’d love to hear from you! How can food pantries and other basic needs organizations address language barriers within their programs?
About the Lowcountry Food Bank: Feed. Advocate. Empower.
The Lowcountry Food Bank serves the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina and distributed more than 42 million pounds of food in 2023. 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 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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