Charleston Based Non-profit 501(c) (3) Using Several Avenues & Partners to  Help Fight Hunger In  Lowcountry

Jeff Walker, Restaurant Review

There are several worthwhile organizations throughout greater Charleston. However, few are as revered and lauded as much as Lowcountry Food Bank (LCFB). Since throwing open their doors in 1983, LCFB has made it their single mission over the past 40 years to bring attention to perhaps the most basic human need, and that is hunger. 

As their website declares LCFB in unison with Trident United Way and the Coastal Community Foundation was originally established as a clearing house for donated foods. However, during the following four decades the nonprofit 501(c)(3) has morphed into a food insecurity juggernaut with over 250 partners covering more than 10 coastal counties in South Carolina.

LCFB has grown exponentially over the years, with their beginnings in Ladson before moving to the Charleston Naval Base, eventually relocating in 2008 to their 60,000 square feet flagship facility the Hulsey Family Community Food & Nutrition Center at 2864 Azalea Drive in North Charleston. Additional food distribution centers are located in Yemassee and Myrtle Beach.

It's estimated that nearly one in five South Carolinians suffer from hunger. LCFB's mission is to fill that void. Thanks to cooperative efforts from the Zucker Family, the Sysco Corporation and neighboring schools, growers, restaurants, as well as generous support from community supermarkets LCFB has made an impact on over 200,000 people including children, students, adults, veterans, and seniors.

Equally as impressive in regards to their mission to feed the hungry, over 95% of the charitable dollars raised goes directly to programs and services. Frankly that is unheard of. While they happily continue to take financial contributions from retail and corporate partners, a good portion of their monetary support comes from everyday people who might donate $25, $50 or $100 a month, some through Apple Alliance whereas select members choose to make automatic monthly donations.

While LCFB host several fundraising events throughout the year including a Walk to Fight Hunger and a Veterans Day Challenge, their biggest fundraiser remains the very popular Chefs' Feast. Now in its 24th year the annual February event brings together the area’s most celebrated chefs preparing their most delectable bites, with all the money raised going to fight childhood hunger. Freaking amazing! 

Since its beginning in 1999, Chefs’ Feast has raised more than $4 million, allowing Lowcountry Food Bank to provide more than 24 million meals to Lowcountry children. A black tie optional affair, the Chefs' Feast begins with a VIP cocktail hour followed by dinner and a live auction. This years feast takes place Sunday February 26th at Trident Technical College 7000 Rivers Avenue with the VIP social beginning at 5pm.

If you love great food for an even greater cause than this is a must attend event. Single tickets available as well as corporate sponsorship. For more on this epic evening visit https://lowcountryfoodbank.org/get-involved/chefs-feast23/