Program Expansion: Healthy Lifestyles & Healthy Foods

Written & Edited by Jenna Seigworth and Michael Brown

As part of Sustaining Way’s “5 In 5” Strategic Plan, our organization launched a biweekly food distribution program in the Southside of Spartanburg to address the persistent food insecurity that has historically impacted the community. The Southside has long endured the harsh reality of a continuous food desert, and Sustaining Way responded with action.

Since Spring 2023, Sustaining Way Spartanburg has distributed fresh, locally grown, restaurant-quality produce to over 15,000 families, supporting healthy eating and lifestyles. This initiative directly contributes to reducing hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, chronic health concerns often linked to food insecurity. This transformative approach to food security has allowed Sustaining Way to expand programming and collaborate with a growing network of community partners.

Community Partnerships & Food Security Initiatives

Through meaningful collaboration, Sustaining Way has developed food security programming alongside key local organizations, including:

Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church
Spartanburg NAACP
Spartanburg Pan-Hellenic Council (representing the nine historic African American fraternities and sororities)
Grass Roots Leadership Development Institute (GLDI) Alumni Association (a Spartanburg County Foundation program)
Neighborhood and ministerial associations

Members of Sustaining Way and South Carolina Interfaith Power and Light (SCIPL) gather to discuss earth care and food security at a community forum.

This program initially focused on providing nutrient-dense, culturally appropriate produce to senior citizens, ensuring those on fixed incomes do not have to choose between purchasing food, medication, or paying utility bills. No one should be forced to make such choices simply to survive.

Sustaining Way filled the gap by addressing the five-square-mile Southside Spartanburg Food Desert, and soon expanded to serve other distressed areas across Spartanburg. Through a centralized distribution site at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Sustaining Way has provided fresh produce to households in:
Campobello, Landrum, Inman, Wellford, Duncan, Cowpens, Green Bethel, Chesnee, Una, Saxon, Arcadia, Arkwright, Hampton Heights, Cannon Campground, Pacolet, and Park Hills.

Expanding Sustainability Initiatives

In Fall 2024, Sustaining Way was invited to collaborate with Wofford College’s new Sustainability Program, strengthening ongoing efforts in community-based water quality testing. Sustaining Way developed three distressed community sites for water testing, conducted by Wofford College students and staff.

Sustaining Way ED, Michael Brown, speaking to the Wofford group along the creek near the Summer Hill/Vanderbilt Hills communities.

This collaboration also launched a community guest lecture series, with SW’s Executive Director Michael Brown serving as one of the first lecturers. The initiative provides students—tomorrow’s sustainability leaders—with a direct up-close perspective on frontline communities urgently in need of equitable revitalization through sustainability practices.

Leadership & Policy Engagement in Spartanburg

Sustaining Way has built dynamic working relationships with local stakeholders and decision-makers, with direct participation from Spartanburg’s political leaders:

Spartanburg District 7 School Board Trustee James Jones
Spartanburg City Councilwoman Ruth Littlejohn
Spartanburg County District One Representative Monier Abusaft
Former House District 31 State Representative Brenda Lee Pryce
Spartanburg Mayor Jerome Rice

With the City of Spartanburg, Sustaining Way actively fosters community gardens, household gardens, and edible landscapes to strengthen food security. Additionally, SW collaborates with SPACE (Spartanburg Area Conservancy) to promote land preservation, culminating in the recent announcement of one of the state’s largest land conservation efforts.

Sustaining Way is currently developing a field practicum and guide for disaster risk reduction, response, and recovery across the Una, Arcadia, and Saxon communities. SW is also expanding partnerships with Regenesis Community Center and participating annually in Community Health Awareness Day (CHAD).

Residents receive fresh, local produce in Spartanburg through support from Sustaining Way.

Healthy Lifestyles & Youth Mentorship

Sustaining Way is a proud MBK-Spartanburg (My Brother’s Keeper-Spartanburg) Community Mentoring Partner, supporting holistic wellness through:

Active exercise, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, camping, kayaking
Food distribution volunteerism
Healthy eating and cooking practices

With dedicated personnel—including a resident SC Certified Community Health Worker (also ServSafe™ certified) and a Community Engagement Coordinator AmeriCorps VISTA—Sustaining Way is leading efforts to promote healthy living opportunities across Spartanburg.

Sustaining Way is currently partnering with the Daniel Morgan Technology Center to develop raised garden beds for senior residents at J.C. Bull and Heritage Courts Senior Living Residences. This project is a collaboration with Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church Pack #106 Eagle Scout Program.