Ingevity volunteers help ensure a successful mobile food distribution in West Ashley in June (Provided)
Ingevity employees and leaders volunteer monthly at the Lowcountry Food Bank’s Fresh for All food distributions in West Ashley through the company’s IngeviCares philanthropy program that provides opportunities to personally serve our community and our neighbors who face hunger. Fresh for All events take place at 65 Sycamore Avenue on the first Tuesday of every month.
For six consecutive years, Ingevity has sponsored the monthly Lowcountry Food Bank (LCFB) Fresh for All produce distributions with $42,000 annual investments, supported the LCFB's annual Chefs' Feast fundraiser gala and provided corporate matching for their employees who donate to LCFB. Since 2018, Ingevity has donated $469,700 to LCFB in pursuit of equitable, dignified, and consistent access to food in the Lowcountry.
Ingevity Senior Vice President and President, Performance Chemicals, Rich White, currently serves as LCFB Board Chair. Rich joined Ingevity in 2019 as Vice President of Industrial Specialties and has served on many nonprofit boards. His bio can be found here. In 2020, former LCFB board member and current LCFB Foundation board member Mike Smith and his wife, Beverly, made a multi-year donation to create a Volunteer Center at LCFB. Mike served as Executive Vice President and President of Performance Chemicals, Strategy and Business Development at Ingevity before his retirement.
"Ingevity's generous dedication has made a significant impact for children, families and adults in the Lowcountry who experience food insecurity with access to fresh, delicious produce," said Nick Osborne, Lowcountry Food Bank President and CEO.
"Human health and wellbeing are an important focus of our IngeviCares philanthropic work, as no one should have to question when or if they’ll receive their next meal,” said Rich White, Senior Vice President and President, Performance Chemicals, Ingevity. "We began sponsoring Lowcountry Food Bank Fresh for All produce distributions in 2017, but our partnership with LCFB precedes this date by many years."
Many children and families in households with a low income throughout the Charleston area face devastating consequences associated with food insecurity and malnutrition due to lack of access to healthy food, especially fresh produce. To overcome barriers these neighbors face, including lack of transportation, high food costs and food deserts, LCFB collaborates with corporate partners such as Ingevity to conduct Fresh for All food distributions and provide healthy food close to home. Fresh for All farmer's market-style food distribution events feature a variety of fresh produce choices and empower families and adults who experience food insecurity to choose, at no-cost, the type and quantity of produce that meets their needs.
Since poor nutrition can be the result of a lack of education about healthy eating, LCFB often offers food sampling and recipes that include information about produce selection, preparation, and storage tips to families to take home at Fresh for All events.
LCFB continues to provide food to neighbors who experience food insecurity to alleviate hunger, including children and seniors, two especially vulnerable populations. In 2023, LCFB partnered with more than 240 food pantries, on-site meal programs, senior centers and shelters to distribute 42 million pounds of food - of which 42% was fresh produce - to 200,000 children, seniors and adults.
To make a monetary donation, volunteer, or find food assistance, visit lowcountryfoodbank.org.
