WINNSBORO, S.C. — Fairfield Forward’s FoodShare program has secured $3,600 in local donations, providing enough funding to continue operating for one more year. However, the funding falls short of what is needed to maintain current service levels, forcing the program to reduce distributions from twice per month to once per month beginning July 1, 2026.
The community’s generosity has kept FoodShare from shutting down, but the program remains in jeopardy. Fairfield Forward is calling on churches, businesses, organizations, foundations, and individual donors to help restore full service and ensure Fairfield County families continue to have reliable access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Since launching in 2021 through support from The Duke Endowment and its partnership with FoodShareSC, FoodShare has distributed more than 4,500 fresh produce boxes throughout Fairfield County. In 2024 alone, the program distributed 503 produce boxes to local families, helping residents stretch grocery budgets while increasing access to nutritious food.
The funding that will sustain FoodShare through the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, comes from generous community supporters, including AllSouth Federal Credit Union ($1,000 one-time donation), Bible Light Holiness Church of Jesus Christ, Inc. ($1,500 annual commitment for three years), Mt. Olive Baptist Church ($150 per month for one year), Richard Winn Academy ($250 one-time donation), and numerous additional churches, businesses, and community partners across Fairfield County.
Unfortunately, several grant applications and local government funding requests were unsuccessful, creating the financial shortfall that made service reductions necessary. While these local donations have prevented the program from ending, Fairfield Forward must secure additional funding to restore twice-monthly distributions and meet growing community demand.
“FoodShare is helping strengthen access to healthy food for local families, and we are grateful for every organization and individual that has supported this effort,” said Genita Green, Project Coordinator for Fairfield Forward. “The generosity of our community has given this program another year, but our work isn’t finished. Additional support will help us restore services, reach more families, and ensure FoodShare remains a reliable resource for our county.”
According to the 2025 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps Report, 13% of Fairfield County residents lack reliable access to adequate food. As food insecurity continues to affect local families, especially during times of economic hardship and disaster recovery, Fairfield Forward is seeking additional community partners to help sustain and expand FoodShare.
Every contribution helps provide fresh, healthy food to Fairfield County families while strengthening long-term food security across the community.
For more information about FoodShare, joining the FoodShare Sustainers Circle, or making a contribution, contact:
Genita Green
Project Coordinator, Fairfield Forward
803-801-0606
fairfieldforwardsc.org