Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) has received a $2,500 charitable contribution from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation to help nourish neighbors experiencing hunger. The Feeding the Hungry grant will help fund the after-school food program at the Baxter-Patrick James Island Library.
“Thanks to Food Lion Feeds, we will be able to ensure no child suffers from hunger between the meals they may receive at school but may not be able to access at home,” said CCPL Director of Community Engagement Kathleen Montgomery. “The library has been working to close the gaps in food security for families and this donation will help us continue those efforts on James Island.”
CCPL’s after-school food program at the James Island library serves nutritious snacks to kids and teens ages 5-18, Monday through Friday from 3-5 p.m. During the 2022-23 school year, over 8,500 snacks were served at this branch.
“James Island is one of several areas of low food access in Charleston, where residents have limited access to affordable, healthy food options,” says Montgomery. “This program, along with our other food programs around the county, are vital to our communities, and we are grateful for the support from Food Lion Feeds.”
The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting families facing food insecurity across its 10-state footprint. Established in 2001, the foundation provides financial support for programs and organizations dedicated to feeding local neighbors in the communities it serves. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $18.1 million in grants.
In addition to the snacks at Baxter-Patrick James Island, CCPL offers free meals or snacks at seven other libraries through its Kids Café program, which is a partnership between the library and the Lowcountry Food Bank (visit ccpl.org/kidscafe for a full list of participating branches.) CCPL also hosts the Free and Fresh Community Fridge Program at three library branches. This program provides free fresh produce through community refrigerators at select libraries in areas of higher food insecurity and need.
Giving Tuesday is just around the corner, and CCPL is seeking donations to support these food programs. Your monetary donation, no matter the amount, makes a big impact in providing healthy food to people in need within our community. Donations can be made online at ccpl.org/givingtuesday2023.
For more information on after-school snacks or other CCPL services and programs, visit ccpl.org. You can also contact any CCPL branch location for other ways you can help support your local libraries.
