FoodShare Spartanburg providing new affordable produce option on Spartanburg's Northside

A recent reorganization of Spartanburg Urban Mission CDC with Ruth's Gleanings healthy food rescue—in partnership with FoodShare South Carolina in Columbia and funding from Mary Black Foundation—has created an innovative approach to tackling problems of access and affordability for healthy, fresh produce. Foodshare Spartanburg has recently launched its affordable bi-weekly produce box service targeting needy families in our area. Based on FoodShare South Carolina, which began in Columbia in 2015, the proven, evidence-based model provides families with fresh food boxes filled with around 12 varieties of top-quality fruits and vegetables, along with recipes and tips for their use. The group says that all of its boxes include no markup for the customer and the cost is $15 per box, or only $5 if using SNAP benefits. FoodShare Spartanburg sources produce locally as harvest season allows, helping both the local farmer and the local economy. Today on the podcast, we're talking with Tonja Smith, Executive Director of Spartanburg Urban Mission about FoodShare Spartanburg.