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Sumter Community Foundation Awards Grants to Combat Food Insecurity, Welcomes New Board Leadership
July 24, 2026
Sumter Community Foundation is investing in the future of Sumter County through grants supporting local organizations working to combat food insecurity and by welcoming new volunteer leaders who will help guide the Foundation’s work in the years ahead.
Sumter Community Foundation has awarded grants to four nonprofit organizations working to address food insecurity in Sumter County. Food insecurity remains a significant challenge for many local families, and these grants will help trusted organizations expand access to nutritious food and related support services.
The June 2026 grant recipients are:
Go Baby Go: to launch a baby food pantry to provide formula, baby food, and age-appropriate nutrition for families with children from birth to age two.
Shiloh Project-Lift, Inc.: to support a youth-led 4-H garden that will grow and distribute fresh produce while teaching gardening, nutrition, and food preparation.
Transforming Lives Community Development Corporation: to expand its Fish & Loaves Food Pantry with fresh produce, proteins, and other nutritious foods for local families.
United Way of Sumter, Clarendon, and Lee Counties: to provide free FoodShare boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables to seniors, military families, veterans, and others experiencing food insecurity.
“These grants are a great example of what is possible when local donors invest in local solutions,” said Hugh McMillan, incoming chair of the Sumter Community Foundation Board of Advisors. “Together, we are helping organizations address food insecurity while building a stronger, more caring community. We are grateful to the donors whose generosity makes this work possible and proud to support nonprofits that are meeting critical needs every day.”
Created in 1998, Sumter Community Foundation is an affiliate of Central Carolina Community Foundation dedicated to strengthening Sumter County through local philanthropy. Guided by a volunteer Board of Advisors, the Foundation connects generous people with opportunities to support the community’s greatest needs.
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Foundation welcomed four new members to its Board of Advisors, reappointed two current advisors, and named Hugh McMillan as chair, bringing the Board to ten advisors. The Foundation reappointed Hugh McMillan and Damien Picarello to second three-year terms on the Board of Advisors. McMillan was also appointed Chair of the Board of Advisors for a two-year term beginning July 1.
The Foundation also welcomed four new members to the Board of Advisors for three-year terms:
Lefford Fate, retired U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant and community leader focused on veteran and behavioral health initiatives
Jeff Reed, healthcare entrepreneur and owner of Reliable Medical Equipment and At Your Service Homecare
Said L. Sewell, President of Morris College and higher education leader
Talmadge Tobias, former Sumter City Manager, real estate executive, and longtime civic leader
The volunteer Board of Advisors is composed of Sumter County residents representing a broad range of backgrounds, professions, and experiences. Together, they provide local leadership, identify community needs, encourage philanthropy, and guide the Foundation’s efforts to improve quality of life throughout Sumter County.
“Strong local leadership is essential to strong local philanthropy,” said Erin Johnson, Chief Community Impact Officer of Central Carolina Community Foundation. “We are excited to welcome these accomplished community leaders to the Board of Advisors. Their experience, perspective, and commitment to Sumter County will help the Foundation continue connecting generosity with opportunities to improve lives across the community.”
Sumter Community Foundation is one of four local affiliates of Central Carolina Community Foundation, which serves an 11-county region in the Midlands of South Carolina by connecting and mobilizing people and resources to strengthen communities. Through charitable funds, strategic grantmaking, and community leadership, the Foundation helps donors create lasting local impact while supporting nonprofits addressing the region’s most pressing needs. To learn more about Sumter Community Foundation and its impact, visit SumterCF.org.