Local Non-Profit Hosts Two Unique Annual Fundraisers, Walk To Fight Hunger On Tap

Jeff Walker, Entertainment Writer

With little fanfare, Lowcountry Food Bank (LCFB) is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023. LCFB is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that was formed in 1983 with the mission to combat food insecurity. In simple terms, LCFB wants to make certain that everyone in our community has access to healthy food, especially children and seniors. 

Four decades later, with continued support from area supermarkets, food & beverage establishments, farmers, corporations, and private benefactors such as Anita Zucker & Family, LCFB has morphed into an organization serving 10 South Carolina coastal counties with distribution centers in North Charleston,
Myrtle Beach and Yemassee.

While a good bit of the money needed to fund LCFB comes from everyday people who generously donate $25, $50, and $100 monthly or larger amounts at years end, the organization hosts several fundraisers throughout the year that generate funds to help keep the overall mission going strong.

Two of those annual events include the Chefs’ Feast, an upscale gala that brings together more than 30 of Charleston's most distinguished restaurants and their signature chefs for one night in February, with all the funds raised dedicated to fight childhood hunger. 2023 was LCFB's 24th Chef's Feast, and the event raised more than a half million dollars to fund these programs.

While annual Chefs’ Feast tickets sell out rather quickly, and the dressy event might not appeal to some, there is an additional fundraiser that provides concerned Lowcountry residents an opportunity to support LCFB's efforts on a yearly basis, and in fact, it is one in which the whole family can take part.

As summer comes to an end and fall nears, the Lowcountry Food Bank hosts their 3rd annual Walk to Fight Hunger. This year’s event takes place on Sunday, September 10th at Wannamaker Park, 8888 University Blvd in North Charleston. The Walk and fundraiser is open to everyone (all ages) as well as your furry family members, and includes a 5k nature trail or a paved 1-mile family friendly loop.

There are several ways to support, including joining the walk, sponsoring individually or through your company. Although the staff and volunteers are proud of the work they do, they always accept financial donations of any amount.

This writer knows first-hand that Lowcountry Food Bank uses more than 96% of the monies collected from planned events and charitable gifts directly toward preventing food insecurity. You've heard it said time and time again your change can make a change.

I urge greater Charleston area residents to consider a donation to Lowcountry Food Bank. You would be surprised how far even $10 and $25 go to feed a family. Consider this, if you have food in your fridge and food in your pantry, then you are blessed. For many that is not always the case.

Although there are many good national and local nonprofits at your disposal, it often feels better when you donate locally and see where your money is going, and how your money affects those in need in your community.

Perhaps if you're feeling charitable in September, you love the outdoors, or you even want to make a positive impression on your own kids, then take part in the Walk to Fight Hunger. Your participation or support on any level is greatly appreciated. For more on the walk and to find answers to any questions you may have, visit: https://lowcountryfoodbank.org/get-involved/walk/.