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Charleston Wine + Food Festival Launches Community Impact Awards

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/26 .. d-festival-launches-community-impact-awards.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, January 26th 2026 at 17:36 GMT by Post and Courier
      Locales: South Carolina, UNITED STATES

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Charleston, SC - January 26th, 2026 - The Charleston Wine + Food Festival (CWF), a beloved annual event celebrating culinary arts and regional flavors, has announced a significant expansion of its commitment to the local community with the launch of its inaugural Community Impact Awards. This new program recognizes and supports five vital organizations making a tangible difference across the Charleston area and beyond.

The awards, announced earlier today, represent a substantial investment in the non-profit sector and are a natural extension of CWF's ongoing dedication to giving back. Beyond providing a platform for celebrated chefs and showcasing the region's vibrant food culture, the festival has long sought ways to meaningfully contribute to the well-being of Charleston and its surrounding communities. The Community Impact Awards formalize this commitment, offering both financial support and public recognition to organizations addressing critical local needs.

"We are incredibly proud to introduce the Community Impact Awards and celebrate the remarkable work being done by these organizations," stated Donald Cameron, CWF Board Chair. "Their impact resonates deeply within our community, and this is our opportunity to amplify their efforts and provide them with the resources to continue their vital missions."

The inaugural recipients of the Community Impact Awards, each receiving a $5,000 grant, represent a diverse range of initiatives vital to the region's health and vitality. The selections reflect CWF's desire to support organizations tackling issues from food insecurity to educational access, artistic expression, environmental protection, and youth empowerment.

Meet the 2026 Community Impact Award Recipients:

• Lowcountry Food Bank: This cornerstone organization plays a crucial role in combating hunger across the Lowcountry. They provide food assistance to individuals and families facing hardship, operating a network of food pantries and distribution centers to ensure vulnerable populations have access to nutritious meals. Their work is particularly critical in light of ongoing economic challenges and rising food costs.
• Florence County School District Schools Foundation: Recognizing the importance of equitable educational opportunities, the Foundation focuses on supporting student success and bolstering vital educational initiatives within Florence County, which is geographically and economically distinct from the core Charleston area. This outreach demonstrates CWF's commitment to a broader regional impact.
• Charleston Arts Alliance: Charleston's rich cultural heritage is championed by the Arts Alliance. They work to foster a vibrant and inclusive artistic community by providing resources, grants, and professional development opportunities for artists of all disciplines. The organization also advocates for policies that support the arts, ensuring continued cultural enrichment for the region.
• Dark Skies Charleston: This unique organization addresses a growing concern - light pollution. They're dedicated to protecting the night sky through responsible lighting practices, promoting energy conservation, and educating the community about the benefits of dark skies. Their work not only preserves the beauty of the night sky but also contributes to ecological health and reduces energy waste.
• Girls on the Move: Focused on empowering young women, Girls on the Move provides comprehensive health, wellness, and leadership programs. Through mentoring, physical activity, and skill-building workshops, they help girls develop confidence, resilience, and the tools they need to succeed in life.

The awards will be formally presented during a special reception held as part of the Charleston Wine + Food Festival in March 2026. This event promises to be a highlight of the festival, showcasing the power of community collaboration and philanthropic investment.

For more information about the Community Impact Awards and the recipient organizations, please visit [ https://www.charlestonwineandfood.com/impact ]. The Charleston Wine + Food Festival continues to evolve, solidifying its place not just as a premier culinary event, but as a vital pillar of support for the Charleston community.