Second Helpings recognizes hunger relief champions

Second Helpings celebrated a milestone Oct. 21, recognizing more than 60 million pounds of food rescued and distributed in Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties since 1992.

The Bluffton-based nonprofit marked the achievement during a celebration at Burnt Church Distillery, where it also presented awards to volunteers, donors and community partners who have supported its hunger relief efforts.
Larry Landry received the inaugural Guenther & Louise Hecht Legacy Award, established in partnership with Second Helpings Atlanta to honor the organizations’ founders and recognize individuals who continue their commitment to service and hunger relief.

Landry, a former president of the Second Helpings board of directors, has volunteered with the organization for more than six years. He has helped organize fundraising events, develop community relationships and secure resources to support its operations. He and his wife, Nancy, have remained active supporters of the organization.

The Long Cove Fund was named Supporter of the Year. Established as the first charitable endowment fund by a residential community on Hilton Head Island, the fund has awarded more than $1.8 million in grants to local nonprofits over the past two decades.

Mark McGilvery, director of food industry partnerships at the Lowcountry Food Bank, received the Partner of the Year award. McGilvery works with national grocery chains that donate food across 10 coastal South Carolina counties, helping Second Helpings expand food rescue efforts and support its partner agencies.

Publix Hardeeville was recognized as Food Donor of the Year after donating enough food for nearly 120,000 meals over the past 12 months. Store employees also volunteer at Agape Family Life Center and Mercy Mission, two Second Helpings partner agencies.

“Sixty million pounds is an extraordinary milestone, but it is really a story of people,” said Amy Colin, executive director of Second Helpings.

Second Helpings collects surplus food that otherwise might be discarded and distributes it free of charge to agencies serving people experiencing food insecurity in the Lowcountry.

For more information, visit www.secondhelpingslc.org or call 843-689-3689.