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.
At its October 21st celebration, Second Helpings honored several members of this community who have made some remarkable impacts. The event included the presentation of the inaugural Guenther & Louise Hecht Legacy Award to Larry Landry, along with recognition of The Long Cove Fund as Supporter of the Year, Mark McGilvery of the Lowcountry Food Bank as Partner of the Year, and Publix Hardeeville as Food Donor of the Year.
These honorees represent the generosity, leadership and partnership that have helped Second Helpings grow its impact and serve more than 37,000 neighbors facing food insecurity across Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties.
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.
“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.”
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, call 843-689-3689.
