Myrtle Beach Faces Setback with Local Produce Assistance Cuts

News Summary

The USDA’s decision to cut funding for the Local Farm Produce Assistance (LFPA) program is causing significant issues for schools and food banks in Myrtle Beach. This funding reduction affects local farmers and the 49,000 individuals facing food insecurity in Horry County. While the Lowcountry Food Bank currently has support for fresh produce, future concerns loom as they must find up to $30 million in additional funding. A new ‘Direct to Neighbor’ initiative aims to improve food access, but community partnerships will be essential to sustain efforts amidst these budget cuts.

Myrtle Beach Faces Setback with Local Produce Assistance Cuts

In a move that is shaking up the local community, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has decided to cut funding for its Local Farm Produce Assistance (LFPA) program. This decision leaves many in a challenging spot, especially schools and food banks in the Myrtle Beach area, where fresh, locally-grown produce is a critical lifeline for so many.

What’s the LFPA and Why Does It Matter?

The LFPA program was designed to help schools and food banks tap into federal funds to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers. By supporting this initiative, the USDA helped ensure that those serving food to our community could afford to provide healthier options, while simultaneously bolstering local agriculture.

The Local Scene

In Myrtle Beach, the Lowcountry Food Bank plays a crucial role. It oversees food distribution across ten counties, supporting a staggering number of individuals. Right now, around 49,000 people in Horry County alone are grappling with food insecurity—a number that highlights the dire need for assistance in the area.

The Impact of Budget Cuts

These recent funding cuts come as a part of broader budget reductions that have affected the USDA. With one billion dollars slashed from its budget, the ripple effect reaches deeply into local food funding programs like the LFPA. The Lowcountry Food Bank now faces the daunting challenge of finding an additional up to $30 million to cover costs that were previously subsidized through the LFPA, alongside losing $3 million in federal funding—a whopping 16% of their total budget.

Current Bandwidth and Future Concerns

Despite the funding challenges, the Lowcountry Food Bank currently has enough financial support from other sources to keep the fresh produce flowing. However, this situation can’t be taken for granted, as other food banks might not be so fortunate. The impacts here aren’t just financial; there’s a real concern for the long-term viability of local farmers who rely on these contracts, and the food-insecure families who desperately need access to nutritious options.

New Initiatives to the Rescue

Direct to Neighbor locker project aims to enhance food access, especially for those facing food insecurity. This innovative program allows users to place customized online food orders, a feature that not only reduces wait times but also significantly improves accessibility.

The Details of the Direct to Neighbor Project

The lockers are set to be established at North Strand Helping Hand in Longs, with the program expecting to kick off in December. US Foods has an impressive track record, having donated over $170 million to Feeding America since 2007. The $750,000 designated for the Direct to Neighbor project marks their largest contribution to date, showcasing their commitment to tackling food access issues.

Future Partnerships

As the community seeks to recover from these cuts, there’s good news on the horizon. BJ’s Wholesale Club has announced plans to open a new location in Myrtle Beach on February 28, 2025. This retail giant plans to partner with the Lowcountry Food Bank to provide regular donations of produce, meat, and dairy each week, further supporting local food security efforts.

Support for Fresh Produce Initiatives

BJ’s Charitable Foundation hasn’t been shy in its support either, contributing over $45,000 to bolster the Lowcountry Food Bank’s Fresh Xpress program, which offers monthly fresh produce distributions to five pantry sites. With the Lowcountry Food Bank having distributed over 43 million pounds of food in 2024 alone across ten coastal counties, the need for support and creative solutions has never been more crucial.

As the Myrtle Beach community rallies together to adapt to these significant changes, the hope is to not only sustain the current programs but to innovate in ways that ensure food access remains a priority for all.

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Additional Resources

• WPDE: USDA Cuts Programs Impacting Local Produce Supply
• Myrtle Beach Online: Local Produce Assistance Cuts
• Business Wire: BJ’s Wholesale Club in Myrtle Beach
• Deli Market News: BJ’s Wholesale Club Opening
• Progressive Grocer: BJ’s Opens 2nd Location in South Carolina
• Wikipedia: Food Insecurity
• Google Search: Food Banks in Myrtle Beach