FRESHMAN’S MOBILE MARKET INITIATIVE ADDRESSES FOOD INSECURITY IN LAURENS COUNTY
April 22, 2025
PC freshman Ladson Porter is making waves with his innovative solution to a pressing community issue. As the winner of the 2025 Service Entrepreneurship Scholarship Competition, Porter’s vision for a Mobile Market is set to address food insecurity in Laurens County.
Growing up in a food desert, Porter witnessed the toll limited access to fresh food takes on communities.
“That experience left a lasting impact on my family and me,” he said.
Determined to drive change, he seized the opportunity presented by the Service Entrepreneurship Scholarship, an initiative that awards students with scholarships for proposing impactful solutions to local challenges.
Porter’s Mobile Market — a mobile grocery unit delivering affordable, fresh produce to areas lacking transportation — stood out for its creativity and potential to uplift low-income communities.
“When I heard about the scholarship, I knew this was my chance to make a difference on a larger scale,” Porter said.
His proposal outlined a practical plan to bridge the gap between food deserts and access to nutrition. Working with Dr. Ben Bailey, Porter has already begun collaborating with Wholespire Laurens County to bring his vision to life.
Porter’s journey to PC was driven by its tight-knit community. Initially torn between PC and USC Honors College, he chose PC after his first tour.
“I could instantly tell that when you’re at PC, you’re treated like family,” Porter said.
The strong bonds between students and faculty sealed his decision, providing an environment where he could thrive and pursue his passion for service.
The Mobile Market is more than a project for Porter; it’s a personal mission rooted in his commitment to helping underserved communities. By addressing transportation barriers, his initiative promises to deliver not just food but hope, fostering healthier, more connected neighborhoods. His work exemplifies the spirit of the Service Entrepreneurship Competition, which empowers students to create sustainable change.
As Porter moves forward, his dedication and innovative thinking continue to inspire.
