In the spring of 2011, United Way of Pickens County published the results of a countywide study on hunger.  The results were staggering.  According to the United Way study, more than 700 (1 in 17) children in Pickens County elementary schools don’t know where their next meal will come from. The summer feeding program at Pickens and West End Elementary schools served over 66,000 meals from June-August to families and children with very limited access to food while school is out. Pickens County Meals on Wheels served over 50,000 meals to elderly who had no caregiver and were not able to prepare a meal for themselves.

 On October 10, 2011 Easley City Council passed a resolution establishing the Easley Community Garden in partnership with United Way of Pickens County.

A community garden is a plot of land gardened by a group of volunteers. The purpose of the Easley Community Garden is to help address the hunger issue in Easley and Pickens County. 

The fruits of our labor will go to benefit SHINE so people can take home fresh vegetables and the kitchen can provide meals made with fresh vegetables. SHINE (Stopping Hunger In Nearby Easley) serves a free, hot meal weekday nights at 5:30 p.m. at Simpson Academy. Vegetables will also be provided to area food banks as well as the backpack program so children will have fresh, nutritious vegetables over the weekend. 

• Volunteer Opportunities
  • Time to work
  • Planting
• In-Kind Needs
  • Fence