FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Second Helpings Reaches 60 Million Pounds Rescued and Distributed to Neighbors in Need
Community milestone shows the power of food rescue as more than 37,000 neighbors continue to experience food insecurity
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — Sixty million pounds of food is enough to fill a Second Helpings truck more than 12,000 times. Behind that number are decades of pantries stocked, neighbors supported, and food kept from waste.
Since 1992, Second Helpings has distributed 60 million pounds of food across Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties, free of charge, powered by volunteers, food donors, nonprofit food pantries and soup kitchens, and supporters working together to keep good food from going to
waste and get it to neighbors experiencing hunger.
“This milestone belongs to our community,” said Amy Colin, Executive Director of Second Helpings. “Every pound represents someone choosing to help — a volunteer giving their time, a business donating food, a supporter investing in our mission or a nonprofit partner making sure food reaches a neighbor who needs it. Sixty million pounds shows what is possible when a community works together.”
The impact reaches well beyond the pounds distributed. Food rescue keeps usable food out of landfills. Providing food free of charge helps local pantries and nonprofit partners stretch limited resources further. And through the purchase of fresh produce and proteins, from local farmers when possible, Second Helpings supports the local food economy while increasing access to fresh, nutritious food.
That community network remains critical. Feeding America estimates that more than 37,000 people in Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties experience food insecurity. Today, more than 500 Second Helpings volunteers help distribute food to more than 50 nonprofit partners serving
the three-county region.
Sixty Million Pounds: 60 Million Reasons to Celebrate. Throughout the fall, Second Helpings will be highlighting the people and partnerships behind our 60 million pounds milestone through community stories, special Rescue Ride Alongs, and the introduction of Truck #17, the newest addition to the food rescue fleet. The campaign will culminate with an invitation-only celebration on October 21 at Burnt Church Distillery, recognizing the people who helped make 60 million pounds possible and looking ahead to the work still to come.
“Sixty million pounds gives us an incredible reason to celebrate, but it isn’t a finish line,” Colin said. “Tomorrow, our volunteers will get back in the trucks, and more loads of food will make their way to people who need it. We will keep rescuing food, fighting hunger and delivering hope
throughout our community.”
###
About Second Helpings
Second Helpings is a nonprofit food rescue and distribution organization fighting hunger and food insecurity in Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties in the South Carolina Lowcountry. With the help of more than 500 volunteers, Second Helpings rescues food that might otherwise go to waste
and distributes it, free of charge, to local food pantries, soup kitchens and nonprofit partners serving people in need. The organization supplements its food rescue efforts by purchasing fresh, healthy produce and proteins to help ensure neighbors have access to nutritious food.
In 2025, 520 Second Helpings volunteers distributed 3.7 million pounds of food, free of charge, to 55 agencies serving more than 14,000 people each week. More than 97% of donated food and funds go directly toward programs that alleviate hunger in our community. Second Helpings is a United Way agency. For more information, visit Second Helpings’ website or call 843-689-3689.
Rescuing Food. Fighting Hunger. Delivering Hope