Local Nonprofits Launch ‘The Care Fund’ to Address Food Insecurity Amid Government Shutdown
On Wednesday, a coalition of nonprofit organizations, including the Coastal Community Foundation, Trident United Way, and Palmetto Goodwill, announced a substantial commitment of over 0,000 through a newly established initiative known as The Care Fund. This emergency fund aims to provide immediate assistance to communities adversely affected by the ongoing government shutdown and the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
“The urgency of this funding cannot be overstated,” stated Darrin Goss, Sr., the President and CEO of the Coastal Community Foundation. “Every day without SNAP assistance contributes to hunger, and our swift action was essential.” Goss emphasized the significant shortfall that philanthropy alone cannot address long-term, but he expressed pride in the collaborative effort among nonprofit partners to meet immediate community needs.
The Care Fund’s initial allocation includes a grant of 5,000 designated for the Lowcountry Food Bank (LCFB), which will help procure an additional three truckloads of food to mitigate the surging demand for food assistance in the area. “The founding of the Lowcountry Food Bank in 1983 was made possible by the invaluable support from organizations such as Trident United Way and Coastal Community Foundation,” remarked Nick Osborne, President and CEO of LCFB. “While we work tirelessly to fill the void left by recent cuts in federal programming, the ongoing support from our allies is crucial in nourishing our communities.”
The total contributions to The Care Fund comprise notable donations from several entities, including 0,000 from the Coastal Community Foundation, ,000 from Trident United Way, and additional funds from various foundations and community members. As of the latest report, individual donations have amounted to ,375.
“The spirit of unity and compassion in our community is palpable,” said D.J. Hampton, President and CEO of Trident United Way. “During times of hardship, it’s imperative that we support one another, exhibiting resilience and solidarity.”
The Care Fund seeks to extend its support primarily to organizations delivering emergency assistance for food, housing, and utilities across a nine-county region encompassing Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, and Jasper counties. Applications for grant support will be reviewed on a rolling basis, ensuring responsiveness to the community’s evolving needs. Currently, 13 organizations have expressed interest in securing financial assistance through the fund.
Brian Itzkowitz, President and CEO of Palmetto Goodwill, highlighted the importance of collaboration in these endeavors, stating, “To maximize our impact, we must work together. In times of crisis, we stand united to address the pressing needs of our community.”
The announcement comes at a critical time, as over 128,000 individuals in coastal South Carolina are grappling with food insecurity exacerbated by the cessation of SNAP benefits, not accounting for federal employees currently navigating paycheck delays due to the ongoing shutdown. The Care Fund will remain operational throughout the government shutdown and beyond, aiming to aid residents facing lingering challenges once normal services are reinstated.
For those interested in supporting The Care Fund, contributions can be made through designated channels to help further its mission in combating food insecurity in the region.
