North Columbia Community Enrichment Foundation

The mission of the North Columbia Community Enrichment Foundation is to empower North Columbia residents with knowledge and resources to enhance their quality of life. Our vision is to promote thriving communities where healthy residents live their best life.

The foundation focuses on meetings the needs and enriching the lives of persons that reside in the 29203-zip code of Columbia, SC and surrounding communities. Residents in the 29203-zip code had incomes below the poverty level compared to 14% statewide according to United States Census data. Families with incomes below the poverty level often lack resources to meet their critical needs such as food, clothing and health care. The lack of resources in these families may cause students to perform poorly academically and act out socially. This zip-code also has one of the highest rates of diabetes-related amputations in the nation.

Program activities include relieving food insecurity, conducting financial literacy and life skills summer camps for youth and helping seniors stay active, engaged, and connected with their community. Activities include exercise, games, and informational speakers.

Testimonials

Statement from former principal at Alcorn Middle School. "The Sacks of Love Program has been a tremendous support for our students. There are so many students who are not able to partake of nutritious meals on the weekends. Those who receive meals through the program excitedly await the meals... when they are distributed. Research states that children who eat balanced meals regularly tend to perform better academically and socially. The Sacks of Love Program supports that research heavily.