In Columbia, the zip code 29203 is well-known for health disparities and inequities of all kinds. That’s why many public health and health care organizations often focus their community health improvement efforts on this community. The National Action Network (NAN) of Columbia knew the realities of this community and provided a Juneteenth food distribution kickoff event, partially funded by Eat Smart Move More South Carolina, to help fill the need for
food in this food desert.
NAN Columbia partnered with Reid Chapel AME Church, Harvest Hope Food Bank, Dianne’s Call, Emmaus Church, North Columbia Youth Empowerment Zone, and Every Black Girl to help promote the food distribution and leverage food supplies. They recruited 40 volunteers to help organize and handout food boxes.
“We impacted 200 families with produce for two weeks with another anticipated 200 within the next two weeks,” said Tiffany James, NAN Columbia president.
NAN Columbia is a chapter of the national civil rights non-profit lead by Reverend Al Sharpton, which promotes a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency, and equal opportunities for all people. To learn more about NAN Columbia, visit their Facebook page.