We are excited to restart our newsletter and look forward to providing you all with updates about what is going on in the agriculture and food scene as it relates to our work at GrowFood Carolina.
The last year has been full of exciting changes and we can’t wait to share more with you. Since we last spoke, my first son was born, and I moved into theDirector’s role at GrowFood. Having both of these happen at the same time has been quite a ride!
Some pictures of Quinn, because I can’t help myself.
Food Access became a pillar of what we do at GrowFood Carolina during the pandemic. We’ve received generous support from outside organizations to fund these initiatives in addition to our in-house Soil to Sustenance fundraising efforts.
One of our favorite partnerships we’ve added is with the Charleston County Public Library and their Free and Fresh Fridge Program!
We began this relationship in September 2023, when we connected with the branch manager at therecently reopened Dart Library in downtown Charleston. We’ve since expanded sourcing to this program and have been providing produce for three branches around the area: Dart, Otranto in North Charleston, and St. Pauls in Hollywood.
Libraries hold a special place in my heart, as my mother and I spent a great deal of time at theNewberry County Library growing up.
This partnership with Charleston County Public Library developed around the same time that she passed away.
She would have been very proud of this work.
After taking almost a full year off, we restarted the popular GFC Box program in January of this year.
Each week we curate a CSA style box of produce featuring the best local picks, or an a la carte set of offerings. Whether the box highlighted strawberries, yellow watermelon, or an assortment of peppers, the response and support we’ve received has been amazing!
We’ve returned $28,000 back to growers fromthe sales of this box. As well as generous donations fromthe “Donate a Box” option that goes into our Soil to Sustenance fund.
It’s difficult to explain how much partnering with Sidi Limhouse and his Rosebank Farms produce has meant to the growth and legitimacy of GrowFood Carolina. As one of our earliest farm partners, his diverse product mix and overall scale of production immediately made a difference in our ability to serve our restaurant and retail partners.
As we’ve continued to grow, I think back to and will always cherish the times at our old Morrison location when Sidi would take the time to sit with our staff while we unloaded his delivery each Tuesday. Not only is Sidi known for his wonderful insight and stories about agriculture production in the Lowcountry and the state as a whole, but he also brings a dry sense of humor that we should all strive to achieve.
Last year, Sidi’s farmstand opened a new location at Kiawah River Farms, and we encourage you to visit for yourself! He’s an important part of theGrowFood Carolina story, and continues to hold a large portion on our Price List. Thank you, Sidi!
Ever wondered what the GrowFood Carolina warehouse looks like? How do they move all of that produce? What fruits and veggies are in season? How do they stay organized? Where does all of that produce go?
Join us for a tour of our new, state-of-the-art facility; see the operation behind the scenes, meet some of the GrowFood and Conservation League staff, and finish the visit with a snack made in house from local produce!
