At the Bluffton Town Council meeting on February 13, Second Helpings nonprofit food rescue organization was recognized for rescuing and distributing its 50 millionth pound of food since its start in 1991. That translates into enough food for 40 million meals over the 31 years.
Attending the meeting to represent Second Helpings were: Mary Ann Bell, Michael Schwartzkopf, Kevin McManus, and Marcus Tanner. “We totally support your efforts and we’re always here to help such a worthy cause,” Mayor Larry Toomer commented. “Keep up the good work!”
Second Helpings provides food free of charge to more than 50 local food pantries, soup kitchens, and family programs. It is estimated that more than 20,000 residents of Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties cannot afford all the food that they need and suffer food insecurity.
The nonprofit was started by Guenther and Louise Hecht in 1991 on Hilton Head Island. They witnessed food being thrown out at area grocery stores and started rescuing it. The first one million pounds was reached five and one half years into the history of Second Helpings. The last millionth pound (number 50!) was reached in just over four months thanks to generous food donors (primarily grocery stores).
In 2022, Second Helpings refrigerated trucks were driven 86,441 miles by volunteers to rescue and distribute food. These volunteers ran 1,451 routes during the year; operating six days a week, including most holidays!
It costs Second Helpings only 18 cents to rescue enough food for one meal. Nearly 90 cents of every dollar we spend goes directly to programs to fight hunger and food waste.
Executive Director Marcus Tanner thanked the Bluffton Town Council and Mayor Toomer for the commendation. “We are truly of, by and for the community. Our volunteers are from the communities we serve, we rescue food from the grocery stores we all patronize, and we provide food for our neighbors in need. The residents of Bluffton support us in so many ways, including holding food drives and visiting with us at local events. It takes all of us to help feed the hungry, and we welcome anyone who would like to join our efforts.” To learn more about Second Helpings and how you can get involved, go to www.secondhelpingslc.org.
