The charleston county public library (ccpl) will expand its free & fresh program, initially launched in 2020

The Charleston County Public Library received a $100,000 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the National Leadership Grants program (CFDA 45.312), effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. The award funds an expansion of the library's Free & Fresh initiative, a food insecurity mitigation program that distributes fresh produce to underserved populations in Charleston County, South Carolina. The grant supports the integration of three educational programs: Edible Alphabet, which combines English language instruction with cooking education for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners; Chow Down on Wellness, a plant-based cooking class designed for veterans addressing chronic health conditions; and Cooking Matters, a hands-on nutrition education program adapted to local ingredients.

This project addresses critical community needs by combining direct food assistance with health literacy and nutrition education services. The deliverables include expanded produce distribution capacity and three structured educational curriculum offerings targeting food-insecure populations, ESL learners, and veterans. By integrating educational components with food access services, the grant supports the library's role as a community hub while empowering participants to make informed dietary choices and achieve long-term health outcomes. The National Leadership Grants program emphasizes projects with potential for replication and broad professional impact across library service delivery practices.

This initiative aims to combat food insecurity in charleston county by distributing fresh produce, particularly to underserved populations. The grant will add three key educational programs to the free & fresh program: edible alphabet, which combines english language learning with cooking instruction for ESL learners; chow down on wellness, a plant-based cooking class tailored for veterans to address chronic health issues; and cooking matters, a hands-on cooking and nutrition education initiative adapted to local ingredients. These programs will target critical needs, including food insecurity and health literacy, promoting healthier lifestyles and empowering participants to make informed dietary choices. By expanding free & fresh and integrating educational components, the grant will strengthen its role as a community hub for health and nutrition, empowering underserved populations and fostering long-term, positive health outcomes.