Non-profit Organization Expands Service in Southside Spartanburg’s Food Desert
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – It has approximately been a year since the closure of the Piggly Wiggly store in southside Spartanburg. This development plunged the southside community back into food desert status, eliminating their easy access to fresh and affordable foods within a reasonable distance. In response to this situation, a non-profit organization known as Sustaining Way, stepped in to fill the gap.
The Plight of Southside Spartanburg
“Food accessibility has been a challenge for the majority of the city, particularly for low-income minority communities,” stated Michael Brown, the Executive Director of Sustaining Way. The elderly in the southside often found themselves having to choose between paying their bills or securing basic food provisions. In the absence of Piggly Wiggly, which had provided walkable access to food, the residents of southside have since depended on Sustaining Way’s food distribution services.
Sustaining Way’s Role
Brown revealed that Sustaining Way has been monumental in being a beacon of light for the southside community. Organizing food distribution events in collaboration with the NAACP Spartanburg Branch and Greater Spartanburg Divine 9 has been their major initiative. These events take place on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, focusing specifically on the distribution of fresh produce. “We have volunteers who will hand-deliver bags of food items, specifically to senior homes that are nearby, ensuring that they have their food supplies covered,” says Brown.
Expansion Plan
With the growing demand for their giveaways, Sustaining Way plans to expand their operations. The organization is set to assist in the building of backyard gardens and raised garden beds for senior residents. This expansion strategy would not be possible without support from the Daniel Morgan Technology Center.
The non-profit also plans to provide food preparation and demo classes, especially beneficial for those who are not as adept in the kitchen. Brown commented, “We realize that the produce from individual home gardens won’t account for the majority of a family’s consumption. However, it can contribute considerably to their food needs.”
Future Prospects
The City of Spartanburg and Mary Black Foundation had previously invested $900,000 for the installation of the Piggly Wiggly store in southside Spartanburg. Despite the store closure damaging the investment, city officials have plans to send a demand letter to the store owners, hoping to retrieve the funds.
Looking Ahead
The effort of Sustaining Way in expanding their services for food security and their future growth initiatives express a solid commitment to the southside Spartanburg community and their ongoing food desert situation. The organization’s continued efforts ensure residents, notably the elderly, can take comfort in knowing they have a reliable source for their food requirements.
Article by: HERE News Network
