Hardsip & Hunger in Sumter, SC

According to Data USA, in 2018, Sumter, SC had a population of 40,000 people with a median age of 32.4 and a median household income of $39,329. The four largest ethnic groups in Sumter are: Black - 48.4 percent; White - 42.7 percent; Hispanic - 3.07 percent; and Asian - 1.81 percent. Approximately 7,960 people out of 38,400 people (20 percent) of the population for whom poverty status is determined live below the poverty line in Sumter. This number is higher than the national average of 13.1 percent. The largest demographic living below poverty are Black females ages 25 – 34 years old. Unfortunately, one of the negative consequences of living below poverty is the inability to afford food and basic living essentials on a regular basis. 

The effects of not eating on a regular basis is detrimental to adults and children because it leads to poor nutrition, decreased productivity, and low performance at work or school. Currently there are not enough food pantries in Sumter to meet the need for food. In addition, people living below poverty cannot afford basic living essentials such as toiletries including soap, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, and more. Finally, the root cause of poverty is the lack of basic life skills education which we must address in order to end poverty.