Florence Lends a Hand: Community Efforts to Tackle Food Insecurity
FLORENCE — In the charming city of Florence, a collective effort is underway to fight against food insecurity, a serious issue affecting many families in the community. Local organizations such as Harvest Hope Pee Dee and My Brothers Keeper Shelter are dedicating their time and resources to make sure no one goes hungry.
A Look at the Numbers
According to Feeding America, there are approximately 16,910 food-insecure individuals in Florence County, which accounts for about 12.3 percent of the county’s population of around 137,000. This means that many families are struggling to find enough food to live active, healthy lives. These statistics highlight a pressing need for local aid and underscores the importance of community initiatives aimed at alleviating hunger.
Harvest Hope Pee Dee: Making a Difference
Harvest Hope is at the forefront of this effort, gathering surplus food from grocery stores and distributing it to various local partner agencies. As the Chief Executive Officer, Erinn Rowe, explains, “By moving our inventory online, our partner agencies can easily order the food and supplies they need.” This system streamlines the process and ensures that the right resources are reaching those who need them most.
In an exciting new development, Harvest Hope has introduced Mobile Markets, which operate from the parking lots of partnering organizations. This initiative aims to remove the stigma often associated with needing food assistance. “We don’t want people to feel ashamed about using our services,” Rowe says. “By offering these mobile units, we create a more welcoming environment for neighbors to choose what they need for their families.”
University Collaboration for Greater Impact
In addition to its local efforts, Harvest Hope is collaborating with the University of South Carolina to conduct a detailed assessment of the community’s needs. Students from the supply chain and logistics program are working on a project to develop a heat map identifying areas of highest need. This innovative approach aims to enhance resource allocation and efficiency in combating food insecurity throughout the state.
My Brothers Keeper Shelter: A Lifeline Since 2019
Another key player in the fight against hunger is My Brothers Keeper Shelter, which was established in 2019. This shelter focuses on providing essential services to those less fortunate in the Florence community. Board member Elder Henry Badie Jr. shares that they successfully delivered over 65,000 meals last year alone, which speaks volumes about their dedication and reach.
On a daily basis, My Brothers Keeper delivers more than 250 meals to local parks and even extends its services to homeless students in the Timmonsville area. The organization has come a long way since its humble beginnings. What started with volunteers using personal vehicles has now evolved into owning a small fleet of vehicles that help distribute food more effectively.
Building Partnerships for a Brighter Future
My Brothers Keeper prides itself on its collaborative spirit. The shelter partners with over 20 agencies, including Harvest Hope, along with businesses like Chick-fil-A and Pepsi, who generously donate supplies. “Our organization is centered around partnership,” Badie emphasized, depicting a shared commitment to community welfare.
Looking ahead, both Harvest Hope and My Brothers Keeper, along with their various partners, are working to reach even more individuals and continue their mission of alleviating food insecurity in the Pee Dee region. The community’s response to support these organizations makes a significant impact and showcases the compassion and resilience that define the heart of Florence, South Carolina.
As the fog lifts over Florence today, it’s a good reminder that while we might see **patchy fog early**, there’s a clear commitment to ensure that everyone has food on their table.
