Food Resources
South Carolina Food Systems Network (SCFSN)
The South Carolina Food Systems Network (SCFSN) is an organization dedicated to building an equitable, accessible, and economically diverse food system in South Carolina by shaping the state’s food future through activities, policy platforms, and collaborative efforts. They offer resources like webinars on food systems and policy, quarterly newsletters with updates on relevant issues and connections to foster collaborations among members.
South Carolina Food Access Map
The SC Food Access Map is an interactive ArcGIS Experience Builder tool developed to make finding reliable information on food resources easier for South Carolina citizens in need, based on research showing the importance of accessible food locations. It offers mapping of various food and assistance resources across the state, including layers for food access, other assistance, health offices, and more. Key programs and initiatives include mappings for little free pantry locations, community-based farmers markets, state farmers markets, certified roadside markets, SC Food & Nutrition Resource Guide and summer meals & snacks for kids, with features like food & other assistance, Clemson Rural Health, Department of Public Health (DPH) offices, Department of Social Service (DSS) offices and United Way offices.
DPH Farmers’ Market and Roadside Markets
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) Farmers’ Market and Roadside Markets is a GIS mapping tool provided by the DPH that identifies and locates farmers’ markets and roadside markets with predictable locations across South Carolina. It offers users an interactive map to search, sort, and view market details like names, phones, and options for community food access. Key programs and initiatives include integration with the South Carolina Fruit and Vegetable Outlet Inventory for fresh produce access, and related resources like the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) which provides qualifying individuals with checks/vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables at authorized markets, as well as links to a Food Desert Map for broader food access analysis.
South Carolina Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship (SC ACRE)
SC ACRE is the Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship, created by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture with funding from the 2017 General Assembly to promote agribusiness state-wide. They offer funding, research support, and educational resources to agricultural entrepreneurs, having awarded over $1,647,500 to 151 recipients and conducted dozens of business workshops. Key programs and initiatives include Agribusiness Development Grants, industry-driven Research projects, Agribusiness Planning Curriculum, Advanced Entrepreneurship Program, Workshops and Local Food & Logistics support.
Grocery Access Tool
Grocery Access Tool is an interactive mapping application from Esri’s Living Atlas that assesses potential grocery store access in user-defined areas across the United States, including South Carolina, by calculating average stores reachable within a 10-minute walk (green areas) or drive (blue areas). While national in scope, its relevance to South Carolina includes supporting local food resource planning. (No specific SC programs are listed, but it ties into broader initiatives like food access mapping).
Food is Medicine South Carolina
Food is Medicine South Carolina is a collaborative effort aimed at improving coordination among organizations implementing healthy eating initiatives in health care settings across the state, emphasizing connections between healthy food and healthcare. They offer convening opportunities to foster these connections and share best practices.
FoodShare South Carolina
FoodShare South Carolina is a statewide program that aims to increase access to, knowledge of, and consumption of vegetables and fruit through community-led projects. FoodShare has multiple programs ranging from VeggieRx to culinary medicine. To learn more about their programs, recipes, current locations, and other resources visit their website.
Food Insecurity Risk in South Carolina
This ArcGIS StoryMap visualizes patterns and risk factors associated with food insecurity across South Carolina, using interactive maps and narrative context to show geographic disparities. It highlights how social and economic conditions contribute to differing levels of food security at the community level. The story combines spatial data with explanatory text to help policymakers, researchers, and community partners understand where needs are greatest and where targeted interventions may have the most impact.
Healthy Palmetto
Healthy Palmetto is a statewide coalition in South Carolina that brings together government agencies, nonprofits, academic institutions, and other partners to improve population health through healthy eating and active living (HEAL) initiatives. Its core purpose is to unify and mobilize organizations to create equitable opportunities for all South Carolinians to achieve better health outcomes, particularly related to nutrition, physical activity, and healthy weight. The coalition operates using a collective impact approach, aligning partners around shared goals within the broader Live Healthy SC State Health Improvement Plan