Lowcountry, South Carolina has witnessed a remarkable event as the Lowcountry Food Bank celebrated its 50th anniversary. This gala was not just a celebration but also a moment of recognition for the outstanding work of the food bank in serving the coastal communities.

"Honoring 50 Years of Impact: The Lowcountry Food Bank's Journey"

Richard Hendry's Legacy and the Award

The Richard Hendry Nonprofit Impact Award, presented by the Coastal Community Foundation, holds a special place in the history of the Lowcountry Food Bank. This award recognizes an organization that has shown exceptional service and has had a significant impact on the coastal communities of South Carolina. Richard Hendry was present to offer encouragement and guidance to what was then known as The Food Trust. Today, the Lowcountry Food Bank has flourished into a thriving organization that annually serves hundreds of thousands of people in the region. As Kerri Forrest, VP of Grantmaking and Community Leadership, stated, "The Lowcountry Food Bank represents the innovation, collaboration, and demonstrated community impact that this award was designed to recognize."

This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Lowcountry Food Bank over the past 50 years. It is a recognition of their ability to adapt and grow in order to meet the changing needs of the community.

The foundation's decision to present this award to the Lowcountry Food Bank is a clear indication of their belief in the organization's mission and their commitment to supporting non-profit organizations that make a positive difference in society.

The Impact of the $30,000 Grant

The $30,000 grant received by the Lowcountry Food Bank will be used to fund various initiatives that are crucial for the well-being of the community. These initiatives include Fresh for All, Fresh for Seniors, and Fresh for Kids produce distributions, the BackPack Buddies weekend childhood hunger feeding program, and School Pantries.

By providing fresh produce to all members of the community, the food bank is addressing a fundamental need and promoting healthy eating habits. The Fresh for Seniors program ensures that elderly individuals have access to nutritious food, while the Fresh for Kids program helps to combat childhood hunger.

The BackPack Buddies program provides children with food over the weekend, ensuring that they do not go hungry during the school break. The School Pantries program offers a reliable source of food for students in need, helping them to focus on their studies.

Lowcountry Food Bank's Response and Gratitude

Nick Osborne, President and CEO of the Lowcountry Food Bank, expressed his gratitude for receiving the inaugural Richard Hendry Nonprofit Impact Award. He said, "We are honored to be the inaugural recipient of this award. Richard Hendry's words, 'That’s really how philanthropy works best – when we come together for a focused common cause and remember that everyone is at the table – because they want to make something positive happen,' resonate with our mission and values."

The Lowcountry Food Bank's response to this recognition is a testament to their commitment to serving the community. They understand that philanthropy works best when organizations come together for a common cause and work towards making a positive impact.

With the support of the Coastal Community Foundation and the $30,000 grant, the Lowcountry Food Bank is well-positioned to continue their important work and make a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals and families.

Criteria for the Award

The CCF inaugural Richard Hendry Nonprofit Impact Award has specific criteria that organizations must meet in order to be considered for the award. These criteria include demonstrated impact, innovative approaches, collaborative partnerships, inclusive engagement, financial stewardship, long-term sustainability, and community support.

The Lowcountry Food Bank has clearly demonstrated their ability to meet these criteria through their years of service and their commitment to making a positive difference in the community. Their innovative approaches to food distribution and their collaborative partnerships with other organizations have set them apart and earned them this prestigious award.

Financial stewardship is also an important aspect of the award, and the Lowcountry Food Bank has shown that they are responsible stewards of the resources they receive. They have a long-term sustainability plan in place and are committed to ensuring that their programs are sustainable for years to come.

Community support is another key factor in the award, and the Lowcountry Food Bank has the support of the entire community. Their programs are widely recognized and appreciated, and they have a loyal following of donors and volunteers who are committed to their cause.