Foodshare SC Introduces Community Cooking Classes in Columbia

News Summary

Foodshare SC is set to launch community cooking classes in Columbia, South Carolina, starting in fall 2024. These classes aim to promote healthy eating and cooking skills, particularly among seniors. With the newly renovated facility at 201 Columbia Mall Boulevard, Foodshare SC is expanding their mission to provide fresh produce and educational programs. The initiative complements their existing Fresh Food Box program, addressing food insecurity and ensuring access to nutritious options for all families in the Midlands.

Columbia Welcomes Exciting Cooking Classes from Foodshare SC!

Columbia, South Carolina is buzzing with excitement as Foodshare SC, a passionate non-profit organization devoted to providing fresh produce to homes across the Midlands, unveils plans for an amazing new initiative! In 2025, they will introduce community cooking classes aimed at bringing healthy eating into the kitchens of families throughout the region. Now, isn’t that great news?

All About the New Space

Foodshare SC has made some exciting changes lately. After moving to a new building, their capacity has soared! The organization’s previous location was sold, leaving them to seek a new home. The new site, located at 201 Columbia Mall Boulevard, right across from the Columbia Place Mall, has a lot to offer. It features office space, a warehouse, walk-in storage, and a kitchen perfect for crafting delicious meals. With renovation work set to finish in the fall of 2024, an equipped training kitchen will soon be ready to roll as they prepare to engage the community through cooking classes.

Cooking Classes is on the Horizon

These upcoming cooking classes are more than just fun events. They aim to educate individuals about the importance of healthy eating and how to whip up nutritious dishes at home. The organization is particularly focusing on seniors from the University of South Carolina’s School of Medicine, hoping to kick off these classes in the fall of 2024. What better way to learn healthy cooking skills than with fellow students and community members?

Fresh Food Boxes Keep Coming

For those who can’t wait for the cooking classes to begin, Foodshare SC has been keeping the community well-fed with their Fresh Food Box program. Every other week, families can pick up fresh produce boxes filled with 10 to 12 varieties of fruits and vegetables, complete with handy recipe cards to get creative in the kitchen! As inflation affects food prices, the cost of these boxes has seen a slight increase. Now, a small box prices at $20 (weighing about 21 pounds) and a large box at $25 (weighing around 28 pounds). But, don’t worry; with the helpful Healthy Bucks program, those utilizing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds can snag boxes for only $5 and $10 respectively, making fresh food accessible for everyone!

Expanding Access and Addressing Food Insecurity

Foodshare SC has been on a mission since its founding in 2015. In just ten years, they have distributed a staggering over 160,000 food boxes, which is equivalent to more than 3 million pounds of produce. Their impact can be felt throughout the community, especially with the recent expansion to 68 partner sites across 21 counties in South Carolina. They’ve been addressing the pressing issue of low fruit and vegetable consumption while striving to break down barriers to equitable food access, especially for underserved Black communities in the state.

Their new initiatives are making waves! The No Cook Box aims to support individuals who may not have kitchen access, and plans are in motion to evaluate hub hours so that more working individuals can benefit from these incredible resources.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Foodshare SC gears up for their new cooking classes and continues to provide fresh food solutions, they are also building a coalition for long-term funding for the Healthy Bucks program. This ensures that these vital resources remain sustainable for the community in the future.

Columbia residents can look forward to a future filled with fresh produce, cooking skills, and healthy eating—thanks to the dedicated efforts of Foodshare SC. It’s a tremendous opportunity for the community to come together, learn, and flourish. Get ready for some amazing meals in the heart of the Midlands!

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Additional Resources

• WLTX: Foodshare SC Launch Community Cooking Classes
• Post and Courier: Foodshare Recovers from COVID-19 Pandemic
• Colatoday: Foodshare SC – 10 Years Fighting Hunger
• Wikipedia: Food Insecurity
• Food Tank: South Carolina-Based Organization Creates Access to Healthy Foods
• Google Search: Foodshare SC