Harvest Hope Food Bank is experiencing an increased demand of families in need of assistance.
As the state's largest food bank, Harvest Hope provides more than 25 million meals on average across the Midlands, Pee Dee and Upstate. But Harvest Hope Interim CEO Sy Hughes says there has been a 60% increase in the number of people who need support.
"We built a system to meet the need of about 80,000 households a month, give or take, and that's not what we we've been seeing over the last 6 months," Hughes said. "We have a lot of questions to ask, and we have started doing that, but we know we have to grow."
Hughes says many of the questions center on the level of sustained need and how the organization can adapt. Even a small disruption in the system, he adds, could push thousands—if not tens of thousands—of people into food insecurity almost immediately.
Daniel Fletcher, a mother of an energetic toddler, says the food pantry has been a saving grace when groceries and options run low.
“I have this little man to feed,” she said. “Even with a paycheck, you have gas and other bills—it gets expensive, and it just gets overwhelming.”
Fletcher is not alone.
Joyce Davis, a Columbia caretaker, says she couldn't look out for her loved ones and their ailing health without the assistance. Davis says she has been coming [to the food bank] for 19 years. While Ed Neal, who recently fell on hard times after a move to South Carolina, is visiting the pantry for the first time.
"Everything cost more. It's insane," said Neal. And look at all of the people out here today who need help. Look around at the different demographics. There are different races and ages, but we all have one thing in common—we need a little extra help as we try to get ahead."
Hughes says it's an honor to serve South Carolinians and encourages those who are able to give back through volunteering or donations as the organization works to meet current demand and plan for future growth. For more information about the organization and ways to donate, visit Harvest Hope online.