What is the impact of hunger in the Lowcountry?
Living in coastal South Carolina, we enjoy a landscape rich in fertile soil, a temperate climate and abundant farmland. However, we also serve some of the poorest counties in the nation; as much as 30% of the population lives in poverty. According to the 2002 Hunger and Homelessness Study report by the US Conference of Mayors, requests for emergency food services increased by 3% this year in Charleston; 69% of all individuals requesting food were employed. Kids Count data from the Anna E. Casey Foundation also underscores the heightened need in our community. South Carolina ranks 48th in the nation with low birth weight babies; 44th (30%) in the number of single-parent families; and 45th (26%) in the number of children living in poverty.
