Charleston Volunteer Business Spotlight: Fields to Families – Feeding the Lowcountry, one acre at a time

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What is Fields to Families?

Mission

Fields to Families serves those experiencing food insecurity in the Lowcountry by providing access to fresh produce collected from local farms, farmers markets, and their Moncks Corner garden.

Since 2006, each year our volunteers have distributed an average of 65,000 pounds of free, local produce.

Field to Families’ goal is to alleviate hunger in the Tri-County area by harvesting, collecting, growing, and distributing local produce to a network of service agencies and programs.

Grow

Established in 2011, Fields to Familes’ garden is located in Moncks Corner, thanks to a generous donor. The garden continues to grow each year. The format is both raised beds, which allows for easy maintenance of weeds and less potential damage with weather elements, and a newly tilled area to increase crop yield. Plans for shelter and greenhouse are underway!

Harvest

Harvesting occurs at farms in the Lowcountry. Farmers communicate when there is an excess in fields and volunteers come out to glean/harvest. There are a variety of reasons that leftover produce does not get harvested. Sometimes produce is left behind because it has developed cosmetic blemishes or it has grown too large for its packaging. Other reasons include overproduction and dwindling market price.

According to the USDA, an estimated 25 – 30 percent of all food crops are left in the fields after harvest. When Fields to Families was established in 2006, they began to “rescue” these fruits and vegetables from being plowed under, reducing food waste and lowering the carbon footprint.

Collect

Generous farmers and local farmers markets help Fields to Families’ reach poundage goals from fresh produce donations. Bins are distributed at markets and poundage from each farmer is tallied. Volunteers then donate to our network of partners

Distribute

We Deliver. To carry out their mission, they grow, harvest, collect, and distribute to local partners. Food is grown at their garden in Moncks Corner, which has tripled output in the last two years. Farmers communicate when there is an excess in fields and volunteers come out to glean/harvest.

How can I help?

Official 2019 SC TOP25 Fastest Growing Companies are Announced – 6 Lowcountry area companies named

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Now in its 18th year, this competition recognizes the achievements of top-performing private and publicly-owned companies that have contributed to South Carolina’s economy through exceptional increases in revenues and employment. SC 25 Fastest Growing Companies, was founded as a way to honor the state’s most dynamic businesses and their contributions to our state’s economic vitality.

The Official SC TOP25 Fastest Growing Companies program, presented by The Capital Corporation, and Co-sponsored by Integrated Media Publishing, A.T. Locke, PNC Bank, and HUB International Carolinas, has evolved into South Carolina’s most sought-after recognition for rapidly growing companies. 

This year’s TOP 25 highest ranking companies, SC Excellence in Business Awards, and South Carolina Economic Impact Award will be honored at a statewide luncheon to be held October 22nd.

2019 Award Winners in alphabetical order:

9 Round Simpsonville
Advantage | ForbesBook Charleston
Blue Haven Pools North Charleston
Cantey Foundation Specialists Camden
Clear Touch Interactive Greenville
Diesel Laptops Gilbert
Equiscript North Charleston
H&W Electrical Corporation Greenville
Harper General Contractors Greenville
Integrated Biometrics Spartanburg
Intellectual Capitol Greenville
JEAR Logistics Mount Pleasant
Jeff Cook Real Estate North Charleston
Kopis Greenville
National Land Realty Greenville
Orange Bees Greenville
Plus – Plus USA Greenville
Preferred Home Services North Charleston
Quality Business Solutions Greer
RealOp Investments Greenville
Springhill Construction Chapin
Sunny Days Entertainment Simpsonville
Swampfox Technologies Columbia
The Hiring Group Greer
THS Constructors Greenville

Secretary Castro Returns to South Carolina for Gun Violence Roundtable, College of Charleston Bully Pulpit Series

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SAN ANTONIO, TX (August 28, 2019) – On Thursday, August 29 and Friday, August 30, presidential candidate and former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary under President Obama and San Antonio Mayor, Julián Castro, will return to South Carolina for a roundtable in Columbia on his comprehensive plan to end gun violence and to meet with voters and leaders in Beaufort and Charleston. This trip will be the first to South Carolina for Secretary Castro since he qualified for the upcoming fall Democratic debates. 

On Thursday, August 29, Secretary Castro will meet with community leader Germon “Mama G” Miller-Bey before the South Carolina Democratic Black Caucus hosts Secretary Castro for a community roundtable on gun violence with local organizations and community leaders. Secretary Castro will also attend house parties hosted by Carol and Don Fowler and Councilwoman-At-Large Tameika Isaac Devine and Jamie Devine.

On Friday, August 30, Secretary Castro will join the Beaufort Democratic Party and the Beaufort Black Chamber of Commerce for a breakfast meet-and-greet in Beaufort. Sen. Marlon Kimpson will join Secretary Castro in Charleston later Friday for the College of Charleston Bully Pulpit series. 

Along with qualifying for the next round of debates, Secretary Castro recently released his comprehensive Disarm Hate Plan to address gun violence and combat white nationalism. He also proposed the People First Economic Plan for Working Families to boost wages and ensure the wealthy pay their fair share, and released the PAW plan to protect animals and wildlife.

Charleston Event

COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON’S BULLY PULPIT SERIES WITH SEN. MARLON KIMPSON


WHAT
: Secretary Castro will participate in the College of Charleston Bully Pulpit series with South Carolina state Sen. Marlon Kimpson. The event is open to the public. 

WHERE: Rita-Hollings Science Center, 58 Coming St., Charleston, SC

WHEN: Friday, August 30, 5:00-6:30 PM ET

WHO: Secretary Castro, Sen. Marlon Kimpson, College of Charleston President Andrew Hsu, Dean Gibbs Knotts and members of the College of Charleston community

Butcher & the Boar to Open in Mount Pleasant August 30th with Limited Reservations

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(Charleston, SC: August 27th, 2019): The wait for Minneapolis-based Butcher & the Boar is finally over, with a limited number of reservations being accepted for this Friday, Aug. 30. Inspired by his Lafayette, LA roots, executive Chef Tommy Begnaud’s Cajun and Southern influences ring through this new Mount Pleasant installment in its refined yet simple approach to cuisine, dedicated to local and seasonal ingredients, and also in its come one, come all feel.

Butcher & the Boar aims to bring people together throughout the impressively designed venue with an eye for detail and the guest experience in mind. Large, shareable portions with bold and inventive flavors make for a memorable dining experience. Featuring an indoor lounge and bar with an extensive whiskey and bourbon selection, private event spaces, an outdoor Cuban cigar lounge and a dog-friendly patio, there is something for everyone. 

Join Butcher & the Boar for their first family-style New Orleans Brunch, Sept. 8th, and enjoy Creole favorites such as Biscuits and Gravy, Shrimp and Grits, and of course Beignets. Keep an eye out for one of three dimes hiding amongst the 1,000’s of Lincoln’s that decorate the lounge floors to win a complimentary shot!

The Minneapolis Butcher & Boar has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Steakhouses in America (OpenTable) and one the the Best Bourbon Bars in America (GoBourbon.com).

A modern steak & smoked meat house with a focus on large shareable portions with inventive American flavors.

Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/654037611776153/

Hours

Dining

  • Tuesday – Thursday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
  • Friday – Saturday 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
  • Sunday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Bar / Lounge

  • Tuesday – Thursday 4:00 pm – Close
  • Friday 4:00 pm – Close
  • Saturday – Sunday 5:00 pm – Closed

Patio

  • Tuesday – Thursday 4:00 pm – Close
  • Friday 4:00 pm – Close
  • Saturday 12:00 pm – Close
  • Sunday 4:00 pm – Close

Closed Monday

Contact

 info@outsidecenterconsulting.com
Please see menus attached.

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Sisters of Charity Foundation of S.C. strengthens S.C.’s communities 2019 Community Enrichment Grant recipients announced

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Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina has issued Community Enrichment grants to 23 nonprofit organizations that implement best practices to address the root causes of poverty.

“Our Community Enrichment grantee partners go beyond the expectation to assist people who experience poverty – they work to interrupt the cycle of poverty altogether. We applaud their work to address the root causes of poverty in their respective communities,” said Tom Keith, president of Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina.

Community Enrichment grant recipients serve 27 South Carolina counties, and several of them provide services across the state. The organizations are listed below.

  • Anderson Interfaith Ministries
  • Charleston Promise Neighborhood
  • Children In Crisis In Dorchester County
  • Communities in Schools of the Charleston Area, Inc.
  • Community Works
  • Compass of Carolina
  • Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina
  • Foothills Family Resources
  • Greenville Tech Foundation
  • Helping Hands of Georgetown
  • Lowcountry Local First
  • Middle Tyger Community Center
  • Miss Ruby’s Kids
  • Northside Development Corporation
  • Serve & Connect
  • Soteria Community Development Corporation (CDC)
  • Teach For America – South Carolina
  • United Ministries
  • United Way of the Midlands
  • United Way of the Piedmont
  • University of South Carolina Educational Foundation
  • Village Group
  • WINGS

About Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina

Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System, founded in 1996. Their mission is to address the needs of the poor and underserved throughout the state of South Carolina. Through the strategic use of resources, they seek to reduce poverty through action, advocacy and leadership.

Mount Pleasant, SC Business Spotlight: Kahuna Poke Bar

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Why Kahuna Poke Bar? Their mission says it all:

“After visiting the Hawaiian Islands, the owner fell in love with Poke. Sushi was a staple in her weekly diet. However, she found it wasn’t ideal for someone on the go, who has a busy schedule. She also found it to be pricey and limited. When she returned to Charleston from Hawaii, she wanted to create a place where people could enjoy quality food without missing a beat in their busy lives, while being affordable for everyone. This vision, combined with a love for sushi, inspired our mission to create fresh poke without sacrificing taste, health, and quality in a fast-casual restaurant environment.”

Explore their amazing menu customized just for your dining needs

976 Houston Northcutt, Mount Pleasant, SC

Contact or Stay in Touch for latest happenings

They even educate

What is Poke Bowl?

Poke (pronounced POKE-AY, not POKE-EE) is served all over Hawaii, and now many cities throughout the mainland. Poke is a raw fish salad, traditionally made with ahi tuna or sashimi grade salmon, tossed with onions and a soy-sesame dressing. In Hawaii, there are many different types of poke made from a variety of seafood (Squid Salad is Popular!) and dressings. Poke shops mainly serve poke bowls, big bowls of rice or other bases like salad topped with a generous scoop of poke and your choice of toppings.

You’ll be happy to know, poke bowls are not only addictively delicious but also a nutritious way to celebrate the Hawaiian food trend, especially when it’s piled high with nutrient-packed toppings! #betterthansushi #IBowlMyOwnWay

What is Acai Bowl

One of the most delicious members of the superfood squad—a fruit you’ve probably seen all over your social media. Açaí (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) is best known for being the not-so-secret ingredient in picture-perfect frozen bowls, topped with your choice of other healthy ingredients.

Açaí bowls are the latest trend in providing a healthy and even more delicious alternative to frozen yogurt or ice cream. Açaí berries mostly found in Brazil, resemble grapes are actually quite low in sugar, containing close to 0 grams per 100g serving.

MUSC Seeking Healthy Volunteers for Study of Cognitive Enhancement (1 Week Study – Compensation Provided)

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We are currently seeking healthy individuals for a study of cognitive performance. We are investigating whether a 1-week course of non-invasive brain stimulation may lead to improved cognitive function and stress management.

  • Participants must:
  • Be ages 25-55
  • Have no metal in your body
  • Commit to daily treatments for 5 consecutive days

Compensation will be provided

Charleston Business Spotlight: El Pincho Taco – Dedicated to Truly “Authentic” Mexican Food and Cultural Awareness

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El PInchoTaco is a local family-owned catering company. Providing catering services to the Charleston Low-Country. Using family recipes, fresh ingredients, and combining 40 plus years of cooking experience

El PinchoTaco strives to provide the best quality Mexican/Latin Cuisine to its customers.

Experience this intimate and energetic dining environment. While you are there, spend some time with the owners over a fabulous specialty margarita. This restaurant is truly a gift to the Lowcountry.

Full Menu

Hours of Operations

Catering Opportunities

Official Facebook Page

El Pincho Taco Instagram

Location: 616 Meeting St Ste B, Charleston, SC, 29403

Hours

  • Closed Sunday
  • Monday – 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Tuesday – Thursday and Saturday – 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Friday – 11:00 AM – Midnight

Camp Happy Days to Support Pediatric Cancer Awareness Day

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Support Pediatric Cancer Awareness Day on Sunday, September 22

Join Camp Happy Days and learn valuable knowledge regarding Pediatric Cancer

Charleston, SC- On Sunday, September 22, 2019, Camp Happy Days will host their annual Pediatric Cancer Awareness Day in North Charleston Riverfront Park. The fun-filled event will be from 2:00 pm – 5: 00 pm and will include snacks and activities for the whole family. Between a bounce house, slip n slides, and knowledgeable speakers, there is something for everyone. Camp Happy Days is a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to offer support and encouragement to children diagnosed with cancer and their families by providing cost-free year-round programs, special events and access to crisis resources. 


Admission for the event is free, but if you wish to donate or learn more about Camp Happy Days and their fight against pediatric cancer, please visit https://www.camphappydays.org/donations/.


North Charleston, SC gives $1M to new African American history museum

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North Charleston is giving $1 million to a new African American history museum in South Carolina and is asking the museum to include the city’s story.

The North Charleston City Council voted unanimously Thursday to give the money from the city’s taxes on hotels to the International African American Museum being built in Charleston.

Mayor Keith Summey says he hopes the money helps tell the story of North Charleston’s predecessor Liberty Hill, where a black couple bought farmland during the Civil War that was later sold to other African Americans.
Read more here: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article234307732.html#storylink=cpy