about us

We fight hunger and food insecurity in our community by providing food, free of charge, to local food pantries, soup kitchens, and family programs for people in need. These agencies in turn feed more than 13,000 people per week.

Second Helpings is a volunteer-driven organization that rescues food from grocery stores and other outlets in Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties. We deliver it the same day, at no cost, to food pantries and other Agency Partners serving the less-fortunate.

We are a unique nonprofit in that we serve other nonprofits.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that has been awarded Angel Charity Status by South Carolina and four stars (highest rating) by Charity Navigator. All of our funding comes from private donations. More than 98 cents of every dollar in donations goes directly to providing food for our neighbors in need. Our volunteers keep our overhead low while allowing our Agency Partners to use their funds on their core missions with no overlap of services.

vision

We strive for a Lowcountry free of food insecurity, in which everyone has access to sufficient nutritious food.

Mission

We fight hunger and food insecurity in our community by collecting food that would otherwise go to waste and distribute it, free of charge, to local food pantries, soup kitchens, and family programs for people in need. We buy fresh, healthy produce and proteins to supplement our food rescue efforts.

core values

Collaboration

Working together with food donors and agency partners to benefit as many people as possible in the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Community

Building awareness of local hunger and food waste, and providing opportunities for individuals and organizations to participate in the solution.

Innovation

Striving to be a smart, creative leader in the fight against hunger and food waste.

Leadership

Launching new programs that are consistent with our mission and expanding existing programs to meet the needs of the community.

Safety

Doing whatever is needed to provide a safe and accident-free workplace for our volunteers and employees.

Integrity

Ensuring a fair, safe, and equitable distribution of food to our recipient agencies and the public.

Gratitude

Recognizing the value of every volunteer, food donor, financial donor, and agency partner with whom we work.

Stewardship

Effectively and responsibly managing the financial resources given to us by our financial donors.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1992

Second Helpings has been rescuing food for more than 30 years. Guenther and Louise Hecht, residents of Hilton Head Island, noticed how much food was being thrown away by grocery stores and restaurants and decided to act. They and a group of dedicated volunteers, using their own cars, started collecting the food and bringing it to local agencies. They bought their first refrigerated truck six months later. The organization has grown steadily over the years, serving more agencies and areas.

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