Lowcountry Food Insecurity Rises 20% as Drives Grow

Local food-service and donation-focused businesses may see higher seasonal demand as the November food drive runs.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Philanthropy

Lowcountry Food Insecurity Rises 20% as Drives Grow

Live Poll

Do you think food insecurity is getting better or worse in your area?

The Mount Pleasant Library is collecting nonexpired food donations for One80 Place throughout November, as food insecurity across Lowcountry Food Bank's 10-county service area climbs. Operators in the local food and hospitality supply chain may see donation-driven demand shifts tied to the seasonal drive.

Why it matters

Lowcountry Food Bank reports food insecurity rose from approximately 204,000 to more than 243,000 people, an increase of about 20%, with 20-year highs in its service area. The food bank attributes the growing need to ongoing economic challenges, including inflation and transportation costs, which is why local organizations are expanding seasonal collection efforts.

Food insecurity across Lowcountry Food Bank's 10-county service area rose about 20%, from approximately 204,000 to more than 243,000 people. One80 Place serves roughly 100 people at its client lunch service and another 70 to 80 at community lunch hours.

The players

Lowcountry Food Bank

A regional food bank distributing food across a 10-county service area in South Carolina's Lowcountry.

One80 Place

A Lowcountry nonprofit operating a community kitchen, shelter and client meal services for people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.

Mount Pleasant Library

The Mount Pleasant public library that has hosted an annual holiday food drive since 2022.

The details

Library staff sort and organize donated nonexpired, nonperishable items before incorporating them into upcoming meal menus at One80 Place. Last year's donations required about four separate trips to deliver to the shelter and kitchen. One80 Place operates a community kitchen serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week and recently expanded its shelter capacity to 125 beds.

2022: The Mount Pleasant Library began hosting its annual holiday food drive.
November 2026: The library is collecting donations throughout the month.
November 17, 2026: One80 Place holds its 14th annual Turkey and $20 fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Market Landscape

Lowcountry Food Bank reports 20-year highs in food insecurity across its 10-county service area, with the increase concentrated in the last year. Seasonal drives like the library's effort are local supplements to the food bank's ongoing distribution, which the bank says remains on track to meet its annual goal.

Local food-service and grocery operators may see increased donation activity and community sourcing requests through the month of November. Businesses considering matching or in-kind support should plan with their own accountants and counsel regarding any tax treatment of donations.

The takeaway

Food drives are a steady, seasonal supplement to a need that the Lowcountry Food Bank reports is at a 20-year high. Operators with purchasing or donation budgets can track the November fundraising results and the food bank's distribution goals as a gauge of local demand.