Our story

Heritage Community Farm originated from the Clemson Extension Beaufort County Senior Leadership program. Through this program, a committee was formed to link community gardens to food security in Northern Beaufort County, South Carolina.

Traditionally agricultural, the northernmost area of Beaufort County now falls within the USDA’s definition of a food desert, lacking access to fresh produce or groceries within 10 miles.

In 2019 Heritage Community Farm partnered with Whale Branch Middle School

Located on a 60-acre campus with an existing greenhouse, it was an opportunity to encompass the mission of providing gardening opportunities for education, food security, conservation, and preservation. HCF now supports gardening at the early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school level.

With help from the Whale Branch staff and community, the campus is now home to:

  • 15 raised beds and container gardens

  • A pollinator garden

  • Bluebird boxes built and installed by students throughout the campus

  • Large sharing gardens for the distribution of produce to the Whale Branch community

  • An outdoor classroom to promote environmental stewardship.

Who we are

Learn about the team that makes it all possible