Fresh Food, Fresh Hope: The Impact of SC Thrive’s Food FARMacy in Richland County 

In Richland County, access to fresh, healthy food is transforming lives—one box at a time. SC Thrive’s Food FARMacy program, in partnership with local churches, local farmers, and community organizations, has become a beacon of hope for thousands of families facing food insecurity. 

A Community-Driven Solution 

Launched to address food insecurity and improve health outcomes, the Food FARMacy distributed over 7,000 boxes of fresh produce to an estimated 17,230 individuals in 2025 alone. These numbers reflect just one year of impact. With each passing month, more families are served, more churches are engaged, and our commitment to Richland County grows stronger. 

The program’s success is rooted in strong partnerships with churches and organizations across Richland County, including: 

• Francis Burns United Methodist Church 

• Wiley Kennedy Family Life Center 

• Red Hill Baptist Church 

• New Creation Baptist Church 

• Saint John Baptist Church – Columbia 

• Grace Christian Church 

• Sandhills Community Church 

• Northstar Christian Center 

These partners didn’t just distribute food—they built community. Volunteers packed boxes, hosted nutrition classes, and shared recipes, ensuring that everyone, from children to seniors, could enjoy and learn about healthy eating. Their dedication and collaboration have been essential to reaching families in need and making a lasting impact. 

Supporting Local Farmers 

The fresh produce distributed through Food FARMacy comes directly from local farmers, strengthening our community’s agricultural roots and ensuring the highest quality fruits and vegetables reach our neighbors in need. Each month, Senn Bros. Produce distributor delivers a bounty of fresh produce to our warehouse. On the first Monday of every month, Senn Bros. drops off the produce, and every first Tuesday, our partner churches pick up their orders to share with their congregations and communities.

Real Stories, Real Impact 

One participant shared, “Even though I worked a full-time job, sometimes you fall short. When someone told me about the Food FARMacy, I was able to get fresh produce and learn new recipes. It was an awesome experience—you get to meet people, talk, and learn. Food is medicine, and this program truly helps.” 

A client who later became a volunteer reflected, “It was very helpful to get fresh produce to add to your food, because a lot of pantries have canned goods and to get some fresh food was helpful to me.” 

Another story from the program—a high school student, recently displaced from his home, broke down in tears after receiving a bag of fresh fruits and vegetables. “I do all the cooking now,” he shared. “This means everything.” 

Other successes include participants lowering their A1C, qualifying for needed surgeries, and children enjoying oranges after school—all thanks to the variety and quality of the food provided. 

As one partner put it, “The community expects us now. This program is a Godsend.” 

More Than a Meal 

The Food FARMacy is about more than just food. It’s about health, dignity, and hope. Educational materials on diabetes, hypertension, and obesity were distributed last year alongside bilingual recipe cards, and local physicians even handed out produce to uninsured patients. Innovative strategies like having school buses deliver boxes to elderly residents were also executed. 

The numbers tell a powerful story: 

• 7,033 food boxes distributed in 2025 

• 17,230 individuals served in 2025 

• 10 partner churches and organizations engaged 

• 4 new Thrive Hub church partners 

• Diverse communities reached: Black or African American (49.5%), White (25.2%), Hispanic/Latino (24.5%), Asian (1.8%) 

Building a Healthier Future 

Despite challenges like transportation issues and changes in funding, SC Thrive and its partners adapted to ensure no one was left behind. The program’s grassroots approach, community surveys, and ongoing education have strengthened relationships with our neighbors and improved health outcomes across Richland County.

Fueling the Mission Through Shared Commitment 

SC Thrive is deeply grateful for the Food FARMacy Continuation Grant, awarded through the Richland Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees. Their support has made this initiative possible and reflects a shared commitment to improving health outcomes for our community. 

“The Richland Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees is proud to support the Food FARMacy and the meaningful impact it has on the health of our community” says Dr. Carlton Boyd, Chair of the Richland Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees. “This initiative aligns with our long-standing commitment to improving access to care and addressing the root causes of poor health. We are grateful for partners like SC Thrive who share our vision for a stronger, healthier Richland County, and we look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of this important program.” 

This partnership underscores the power of collaboration in tackling food insecurity and promoting healthier lives across Richland County. 

Staff Perspective 

Our Outreach Coordinator, Jaeda Hinton, works closely with our partners in Richland County and has seen the program’s impact firsthand. As Food FARMacy continues to grow, Jaeda shares her excitement for the future: 

“As the newest Program Lead for the Food FARMacy, I am excited to see what the future has in store for this initiative. With the support of my team, we are committed to maintaining our reach, securing sustainable funding, and ensuring that we continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve at SC Thrive.” 

Join Us 

SC Thrive’s Food FARMacy is proof that when a community comes together, real change happens. With continued support, we can expand our reach, deepen our impact, and help even more families thrive. 

Want to get involved or support our mission?
Learn more at https://scthrive.org or contact us to partner, donate, or volunteer.