(Columbia, SC) – Richland Library, in partnership with Toms Creek Family Farms, is launching a powerful new community initiative designed to expand access to fresh, healthy food in Richland County. The Eat Fresh Freely program will officially debut with a ribbon cutting and press conference at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 5, at Richland Library Northeast (7490 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC 29223).
Eat Fresh Freely is Richland Library’s pilot community fridge initiative, created to provide neighbors with free, locally sourced produce—no questions asked. Located at select library branches, the fridges will be stocked weekly and serve as welcoming, stigma-free spaces where residents can access nutritious food when they need it most.
This initiative is about more than food. It is about dignity, wellness, and building stronger communities. With food insecurity on the rise, Eat Fresh Freely not only provides immediate relief but also sparks essential conversations about long-term solutions to ensure every family has access to healthy meals.
Community Fridge Locations:
- Richland Library Northeast
- Richland Library St. Andrews
- Richland Library North Main
- Richland Library Eastover
Funding for this project was made possible by the Bagwell Revocable Living Trust in memory of Marianne and Ed Bagwell.
