NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – Families feel “blessed” to receive free fresh food as North Charleston faces ongoing challenges with food insecurity.
Hundreds of families lined up on Wednesday as the sun rose over Midland Park Primary, holding young children in blankets and in available hands, an empty cardboard box. Parents like Maria Hernandez and Shanekque Lewis were eager to collect produce, protein, dairy products and recipes from a table set up by the Charleston County School District, shortly after dropping their kids off for school.
“It makes a meal right now. Especially that the food is very expensive right now, it really helps,” Hernandez said.
“Walmarts, Publix, Food Lions. They aren’t as busy as they used to be. That tells me people aren’t shopping as they used to,” Lewis said.
Families describe striking price points at the grocery store or difficulties with transportation, preventing access to a home-cooked meal. Others who can shop find themselves taking items that are cheaper, closer to expiration or below the level of nutrition their families need.
The United Way Association of South Carolina reported a 3% increase in food access-related calls in 2024 and 83% more referrals in the TriCounty area in 2024. There are 12 zones within the North Charleston area where people live between one and 10 miles from the nearest supermarket, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Christi Wisniewski is on the district board which spearheaded a grant to make the effort possible. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchasing Agreement releases funds to the district, which help to schedule two or three markets a month.
“They are considered food deserts, they do not have a lot of local produce or a lot of local farmers coming out. We are giving them this opportunity and we want to bring this to them so they have it available to them,” Christi Wisniewski said.
Two hundred food cases stacked on three pallets, equaling $7,000, were brought in from local farmers and businesses within 400 miles of the Lowcountry. Eggs, stone-ground cornmeal and grits, pork, honey, milk and fresh vegetables like rutabagas, cabbage, beets and carrots filling boxes for a fulfilling meal.
The products are seasonal and subject to change, depending on what businesses or farmers have in stock. This event featured food from nearby vendors on Johns Island or Edisto, and as far as parts of Camden or Georgia.
“There are things they have never seen before, but we always recommend they take it and try it. We also provide recipes with items that are not so familiar. It is not so intimidating. They can go and they can see it, they can pick what they want and they can get more interested,” Wisniewski said.
Lewis said she was particularly excited to try rutabagas.
Adding in a smile or two shared between families and district staff solidifies why Wisniewski continues to advocate for resources.
“It’s not only one meal, leftovers as well. This box is pretty heavy. Fresh greens, looks like some celery and cilantro. Something that’s going to make a full meal,” Lewis said.
“We’re very blessed as a community to get together and help the families in need,” Hernandez said.
The district will reapply for the grant after an upcoming event in April.
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Program offers path to student nutrition as TriCounty battles food insecurity
