(843) 757-8000 info@blufftonselfhelp.org

A Message from our ED | May 2019

by | May 6, 2019

SUMMER HUNGER | A Letter from our Executive Director

Hunger in our area is changing and affects all walks of life. Even with an economic upswing and low unemployment – stagnant jobs, rising cost of living and unemployment all play a factor in the changing face of hunger. Many of us are just one crisis, one job loss or health issue away from food insecurity. Families that live paycheck to paycheck can become food insecure overnight, meaning they may not know where their next meal is coming from. These families are forced to make difficult decisions, deciding between putting food in the fridge and healthcare; gas to get to work and breakfast for their kids; a healthy balanced meal or paying an electric bill. 

South Carolina has established a self-sufficiency standard. This is the cost for a family to make ends meet in our community, also known as livable wage. According to a study by South Carolina Association of United Way, the livable wage in Beaufort County for one adult and one preschooler is $18.32/hour. This wage changes based on the size of the family. It’s estimated that approximately 50% of our Bluffton population is working at or below this livable wage, putting families and children at risk for food insecurity.

Summer can cause an increase in costs for families seeking childcare as well as a decrease in support for families receiving free and reduced lunch at area schools. Last summer, Bluffton Self Help supported 95 kids on average, every month. We are on a mission to break the cycle of poverty in our community and more importantly compact food insecurity for families, seniors, children and adults. Fortunately, the rate of food insecurity continues to decrease because of donors and supporters like you. We depend on the Bluffton community for support to operate our Wellness Food Pantry with financial donations, volunteers and food drives. Thanks to you more than 2,100 residents in Bluffton had access to healthy, fresh, nutritious food. Keep supporting our mission and share with others because together we ARE making a difference in our community.

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COVID-19 Update to our Supporters

Dear Bluffton Self Help Friends, Because you are an important stakeholder in Bluffton Self Help, we want to keep you informed about how we are responding to the COVID-19. While we continue to do everything possible to ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers and clients, and to prevent community spread of the virus, at the same time we believe we must make every effort to continue to be here for our many neighbors in need. As we’ve reported before, we have modified to distributing pre-bagged groceries as opposed to neighbors shopping for items in our Wellness Food Pantry. We set up the very critical COVID-19 Family Relief Fund to ensure we are able to assist our neighbors with the emergency financial needs. We closed our Confidence Clothing Closet, however will always fill on demand requests for workwear. Our commitment to our community is stronger than ever. We continue to remain available every week day for neighbor’s inquiries, concerns and immediate basic needs. In this time of so many unknowns, the one thing know for certain is that the need for our support continues to rise every day. Many neighbors find themselves suddenly without income and in need of help for the first time. Hardworking neighbors living paycheck to paycheck, now are faced with an already stressful health crisis that puts real strain on their financial situation.
As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic together, one thing is clear: Bluffton Self Help is a vital resource for our community. Bluffton Self Help is meeting the challenges of this moment head on. We’re working hard to ensure our community has consistent and safe access to food, basic needs and financial support to emerge through this crisis stronger. Just this week alone we served more than 300 families facing food insecurity and the number of new requests rising more than 20%. Our modified food distribution is able to provide each family with a weeks worth of fresh meat, produce, milk, bread and non-perishables each visit. The requests for financial support grow each day. With rising unemployment, we are ready to meet the needs of our community to prevent homelessness and ensure critical financial needs are being met for our neighbors. Many of you stepped up to support our services, our mission and most importantly our neighbors. We continue to receive donations of food, hygiene products and generous financial donations, but we can’t do it alone. We will continue to need your support to keep our operations open in a crucial time of need.
During this time of great uncertainty and unprecedented change, our commitment to our neighbors, staff and volunteers and the most vulnerable in our society remains stronger than ever. We could not do this without you. With your continued support, I know that we can meet this challenge head-on and emerge stronger, together.
Take care of yourself and each other. Kimberly Hall
Executive Director | Bluffton Self Help