The Food FARMacy At The Burns Foundation Feeds A Community Fighting Food Insecurity in Columbia, SC: The Burns Foundation Partners with SC Thrive’s Food FARMacy Program
In October 2023, Francis Burns United Methodist Church was honored to be one of only ten churches selected to participate in the Food FARMacy Program—a pilot initiative led by SC Thrive, in partnership with Prisma Community Health. This impactful program was created to provide free, fresh produce to families in need, supporting healthy food access across local South Carolina communities.
The Burns Foundation, alongside the Health and Welfare Committee of Francis Burns UMC, proudly joined this initiative to help address food insecurity in Columbia, SC. The first official Food FARMacy distribution took place on November 29, 2023, and has since grown into a trusted monthly resource for families in the area.
Monthly Produce Distributions That Make a Difference
Each month, dedicated volunteers from Francis Burns UMC and the Burns Foundation pick up fresh fruits and vegetables from the SC Thrive Food Access Warehouse in Columbia. The produce is carefully packaged into individual bags and distributed to local residents—ensuring healthy food is accessible, with dignity and ease.
Since launching, the program has distributed more than 650 bags of fresh produce, supporting 60–70 families each month. These distributions are more than just handouts—they are part of a larger mission to build healthier communities through compassion, collaboration, and service.
Join the Mission to End Food Insecurity
The Food FARMacy Program is a vital step forward in the fight against hunger and poor nutrition. By addressing food access on a grassroots level, Francis Burns UMC and the Burns Foundation are helping to create lasting change in our neighborhoods.
Interested in getting involved? Whether you’re passionate about health equity, looking for volunteer opportunities in Columbia, SC, or want to support families in need, we invite you to join our Food FARMacy team.
To learn more or sign up as a volunteer, please contact us directly.
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