Join us on Friday, August 28 at 9:00 a.m. for a Fueled by Fresh COVID-19 Relief Drive-Thru Food Distribution

August 27, 2020

UnitedHealthcare donates $95,000 to the Lowcountry Food Bank

UnitedHealthcare leaders and volunteers will be on-hand to discuss importance of fighting hunger in the Lowcountry

Lowcountry Food BankCOVID-19 Relief Food Distribution

700 boxes of fresh produce, 400 boxes of shelf-stable food will be distributed!

When: Friday, August 28, 2020, 9:00 a.m.

Where: Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 7396 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29406

COVID-19 has created a tremendous increase in the need for food for our neighbors who struggle with hunger. More than 173,700 individuals, including 51,510 children, face hunger every day in coastal South Carolina. These numbers are increasing as the COVID-19 pandemic persists.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges faced by South Carolina’s most vulnerable residents and created further barriers to accessing the health care and services they need,” said Wanda Coley, vice president of strategy, UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement of South Carolina. “UnitedHealthcare is honored to support area residents through our partnership with Lowcountry Food Bank to provide much-needed emergency food boxes, including nutritious shelf-stable food and seasonal fresh produce for those facing hardships due to this COVID-19 crisis.”

The following points illustrate the increased demand from March through July on the LCFB since the COVID-19 pandemic began:

  • Over 67,000 shelf stable disaster relief boxes packed and distributed
  • Over 98,000 pre-packed produce boxes distributed
  • 484% increase in food assistance at the LCFB emergency food pantry
  • 6 million additional pounds of food distributed
  • More than 30,000 backpacks to children who depend on school lunches
  • More than 39,560 senior meals prepared and distributed
  • During this same time period, more than 30% of the LCFB’s total food distribution has been comprised of fresh fruits and vegetables.

In March, the LCFB quickly adjusted its business model due to drastic declines in retail food donations, social distancing limitations on volunteer efforts, and the need for low-contact distributions. Drive-thru food distribution models were created to protect LCFB partner agencies and food pantries, LCFB neighbors in need, volunteers and employees.

The LCFB also increased its already stringent food safety and safe handling practices to include social distancing and additional sterilization procedures as recommended by the CDC.

To donate to COVID-19 food relief efforts or to find food assistance, visit https://www.lowcountryfoodbank.org/covid19/

 

 

About the Lowcountry Food Bank: Feed. Advocate. Empower.

The Lowcountry Food Bank serves the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina and distributed more than 32 million pounds of food in 2019. The Lowcountry Food Bank helps fight hunger by distributing food to nearly 300 partner agencies including soup kitchens, 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 go to the Lowcountry Food Bank website and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.