It’s the middle of summer and that means fresh vegetables and fruit are being grown in local fields.

To make sure the bounty is spread throughout the West Columbia community and beyond, the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center has established the Food Promotion Program. Part of that effort is the distribution of 20-pound, fresh produce boxes for individuals and families, said Dr. Cindye Cotton,  Executive Director, Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center. She said the distribution of the fresh produce boxes for individuals and families allows for greater access to healthier food.

The next food distribution event is from 9 a.m. until noon, on Friday, July 26, behind Brogan Hall near the BLEC’s athletic field. The BLEC is at 1218 Batchelor St., West Columbia.  Rev. Mardell Whyte is one of the contacts for the produce distribution. She noted that the produce is distributed twice a month, on Fridays.

There are two BLEC  produce distributions scheduled for August. The fist is on Aug. 9, and the second is on Aug. 23.

“The fruit and vegetables that are distributed are from local fields, so it’s fresh and in-season, ” said Cotton. “Friday there will be zucchini, squash, green peppers, peaches and watermelon.”

The food distribution events are part of an association with the US Department of Agriculture. The produce is available to those in need, ages 18 and up.  

In addition to the produce boxes, supplemental boxes will be available for seniors. Growers of the produce are: Senn Bros. Francis Drew; and Bonita Global. Harvest Hope Food Bank also assists in filling some of the food boxes that are distributed. Cotton said a significant number of those receiving the food boxes are senior citizens on a fixed income. 

Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center also conducts a Roadside Produce Stand in partnership with Martin Farms. 

The BLEC Roadside Produce Stand offers high-quality, fresh, low-cost produce from local farmers. It’s  at the corner of 12th Street and Monticello Street and offers produce at a lower cost and the roadside market accepts vouchers, along with cash, debit cards, and credit cards. It’s open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. every Monday. Products include tomatoes, okra, peppers, plums, honey, and more.  

The BLEC  Roadside Produce Stands are also available at the Brookland Baptist Church Northeast campus, on Frink Street in Cayce and Rehoboth Church in Columba, There is a mobile produce unit that travels into rural Kershaw County to serve those who are less able to drive to a market. 

In addition to distributing produce, Cotton said the BLEC has social workers on-site to help identify families and individuals in distress. 

“We’re here to help with basic needs,” she said. BLEC helps families in need of housing, employment and clothing. For more information contact Rev. Mardell Whyte at 803-744-7943 or email: [email protected] or [email protected]