On November 28, three of Second Helpings’ staff and three board members traveled to Spring Island to present Waterfall Farm with the 2022 Food Donor of the Year award.
Executive Director Marcus Tanner presented the award to Spring Island and Waterfall Farm staff and volunteers. “This was a year of record price increases in food, gas and other basic needs, and a decrease in the amount of food available to rescue,” Tanner said. “By donating over eight tons of amazing fresh produce, you helped to impact the lives of thousands of your friends and neighbors. In a time of scarcity, you brought abundance to so many people, along with hope and a renewed sense of community. We are delighted to call you partners in hope, and thankful to call you friends.”
“Second Helpings is first-class in logistics,” said POA Farm Committee Chair Jim Basara. “You are always the first organization we call.” The produce picked up by Second Helpings is usually harvested by Spring Island volunteers. Fortunately, “we have no trouble finding volunteers to help Second Helpings,” Carin Sherman, a Farm Committee member, remarked.
There was also high praise for the Second Helpings volunteers, “some of the nicest people I’ve ever met,” said one, and for Second Helpings Operations Administrator Leah Long, who manages the relationship with Farm Committee member Carol Eidt.
Following the award presentation, the Second Helpings group was treated to a tour of the farm. Our staff and board members picked and sampled varieties of turnips, radishes, and salad greens as they learned about the growing seasons, the relationship with Clemson Extension, and, says Basara, “the value of a Google search.”
Second Helpings hopes to partner with this incredible organization for many years to come.
