Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Provides Free Produce for Seniors

News Summary

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Spartanburg is continuing its vital free produce giveaway program, supported by a $5,000 donation from the Spartanburg County Foundation. Running for more than two years, the program assists approximately 600 seniors and low-income residents each month by addressing rising food costs and providing much-needed fresh produce. With community support and volunteers, this initiative serves as a lifeline for many, especially following the recent closure of a local grocery store. Ensuring further funding will secure the future of this essential service.

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Spartanburg Supports Local Seniors with Free Produce Distribution

The serene city of Spartanburg is buzzing with activity as the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church prepares to host its beloved free produce giveaway program. This initiative has been a lifeline for many in the community, especially seniors, and is set to continue making a positive impact thanks to a generous $5,000 donation from the Spartanburg County Foundation.

A Vital Resource for the Community

The free produce program has been running for more than two years, occurring every month on two Saturdays. Each event sees a steady stream of cars lining up, eager to receive fresh produce that can ultimately make a significant difference in their nutritional needs. Serving approximately 600 individuals each month, this program primarily caters to seniors and residents of low-income neighborhoods, providing a crucial source of sustenance where it is sorely needed.

With rising food costs challenging many families, this give-back initiative, spearheaded by the nonprofit Sustaining Way in partnership with the Spartanburg NAACP Branch No. 550, seeks to promote healthy living among community members. In recent months, as participants gather for distribution, volunteers have worked diligently to hand out an impressive variety of produce, which includes favorites like cabbage, collard greens, broccoli, and more.

The Closure of a Local Grocery Store

The importance of this program is underscored by the closure of the local Piggly Wiggly grocery store in the Southside area back in September 2023. This shut down left many residents without easy access to affordable grocery options, and the food distribution program stepped in to help fill this gap with fresh produce and essential nutrition.

However, challenges have arisen when it comes to securing funding for these ongoing efforts. The program is currently supported by the state’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, which is backed by the USDA and federally funded through the American Rescue Plan. But with funding set to expire by the end of April 2025, key players in this initiative are already concerned about the future. The local leaders and organizers are currently evaluating potential funding sources to ensure they can continue this lifeline for the community.

Grateful Seniors and Community Support

Many seniors have expressed how pivotal this program is in their lives. With limited SNAP benefits that often range from $30 to $40, the choice between buying protein or fresh produce is a constant struggle. As food prices continue to inflate, individuals heavily rely on these distributions to keep their diets balanced and nutritious.

It is clear that if funding does not materialize, many seniors may have to turn to other food pantries, which do not provide the same access to fresh produce. The taste of fresh greens and vegetables has become something they cherish during these distributions. The absence of such offerings would greatly impact their nutritional intake and overall wellness.

Community Efforts and Volunteer Spirit

A vital component of the program’s success is the enthusiastic group of volunteers who lend a hand at each event. With over 80 distributors and 13 wholesalers supporting the initiative in the past two years, the program has flourished, benefiting from a collective community spirit that embodies the essence of Spartanburg. This flourishing community coalition has already distributed an outstanding total of over 300 local food packages at each event, each aimed at helping economically challenged families gain access to healthy food.

As Spartanburg rallies together in this time of uncertainty, the hope is that more funding will be secured to sustain the vitality of this project into the future. For now, the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church stands as a beacon of hope and health for many within the community, proving that when folks come together with determination, positive change can flourish, even in challenging times.

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Southside Spartanburg Food Giveaway
• GoUpstate: Fresh Produce Giveaway in Spartanburg
• Fox Carolina: Spartanburg Co Business Giving Away Food
• WSPA: Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway Planned for Upstate
• Greenville Online: Thanksgiving Free Meals and Turkey Giveaway