More than a Meal: St. James connects compassion, food, and health
August 10, 2026
By Karen Owens
Publisher
The Third Annual Compassion Brunch hosted by St. James Health & Wellness offered more than a meal for supporters and donors. It connected the fight against food insecurity with better health outcomes for Georgetown County’s most vulnerable residents.
The event coincided with National Health Center Week, which recognizes the vital work of more than 1,500 community health centers across the United States. According to St. James CEO Sandra Gilliard, the observance celebrates the healthcare workers, volunteers, and partners who help serve more than 52 million patients in 17,000 communities. 
Founded in 1981, St. James Health & Wellness has been a trusted community health center in the Lowcountry, supported by dedicated healthcare professionals, community outreach specialists, and staff who are making a positive impact across Georgetown County, especially in its rural communities.
The board of directors hosted a meaningful gathering that celebrated the partnerships helping St. James support the men, women, and children across our region who are struggling to thrive in today’s economic realities.
Proceeds from the annual brunch support St. James’ Food Pharmacy program, which was established in 2023 to address food insecurity among St. James patients. In partnership with the Lowcountry Food Bank, the program began at the McClellanville and Andrews Annex locations and expanded in February to the Choppee location to serve residents in northern Georgetown County.
According to its 2025 Impact Report, St. James distributed nearly 12,000 pounds of food to 1,963 patients, reaching 3,035 households. Through outreach and screening programs, the health center screened 2,838 patients to identify food insecurity and bridge the gap between healthcare and nutrition. By recognizing nutritional needs, especially among patients with diabetes, St. James is helping create a pathway to wellness.
“Most of our clinics are located in food deserts, meaning there is no grocery store available and limited transportation options,” explained Dr. Sandra Bigelow Reid, a member of St. James’ board of directors. “Food is medicine, and too many of our patients have chronic health conditions that result from poor nutrition.”
In addition to allowing patients to select their own food during visits, St. James offers classes with the Low Country Food Bank to improve nutritional awareness and share easy-to-follow recipes. At the brunch, we enjoyed a Confetti Bean Salad demonstration that combined fresh vegetables, including red onion and bell peppers, with pantry staples such as garbanzo beans, black beans, and kidney beans to create a high-protein, low-calorie side dish that was also delicious. 
The brunch concluded with a moving awards ceremony emceed by local news reporter Dalilah James of WCBD-TV. Reverend Rosetta Swinton received the Community Impact Award for her long-time service to St. James and the community as an educator in the Berkeley and Charleston school districts and as pastor of Charity AME Church. Georgetown County Councilman Louis Morant received the Humanitarian Award for his decades of community service and activism. Diana Footman was recognized by her peers at St. James as Outstanding Employee of the Year for the passion she brings to helping everyone she encounters, no matter their circumstance.
If you were unable to attend the Compassion Brunch, you can still support the Food Pharmacy’s vital mission to help Georgetown County residents secure health education, nutritious food, medical supplies, and treatment. Visit their online donation portal to contribute today.
