Announcements

 

I hope everyone is staying dry/warm today.

 

First up, thank you all for your help in getting a food drive started for Fountain Inn. It is a needed effort and I wanted to say thanks for doing it.

 

As y’all know, my full-time job is working for our state’s nonprofit association. In that role, I have been engaged in some state level conversations around food needs with the pause of SNAP funding - it’s been dominating a lot of my time right now, otherwise I would’ve sent this email a few days ago.

 

In Laurens County, there are over 9,000 individuals enrolled in SNAP as of 9/30, 48% of them are 18 and under. In Greenville County, there are over 42,000 individuals enrolled in SNAP, and right at 50% of them are 18 and under. Roughly 21-22% in each county are 51 and older. I’ve attached the data in case it’s of interest.

 

I would also like to flag that November paychecks for our military may not arrive in service member bank accounts as the money used to pay them in October begins to dry up. This is on top of the federal employees (and some contractors) going without pay right now. Plus there is a likelihood that WIC funding will also run out in November. The needs will continue to grow. 

 

Later this morning the Governor is announcing the activation of the One SC Fund. It’s the state’s “official” charity fund typically activated during natural disasters. Typically it’s most used by corporations and/or foundations looking to support statewide efforts, but also accepts individual donations. Additionally, Feeding the Carolinas, a NC and SC food bank network system, has also released some information on supporting food banks. I have been in communication with both entities and can share any resources that are made available, particularly for our food bank staff/volunteers. Point being - if there are opportunities for state efforts to support our local food banks, I will be sure to alert you all.

 

 

I of course will be donating all that I can (I’m also waiting until after Nov 1 to do any bulk purchases so that I don’t take away SNAP-eligible items as folks spend down what they do have this month in preparation). I will be encouraging my fellow members to do the same. I’m also going to flag all of this for our recreation staff as our youth and seniors engage with that department daily. I know Chief Fortenberry is already  engaged in this conversation.

 

I would also like to highlight volunteersc.org, a new platform with the United Way Association of SC, Americorps SC, and Together SC to help pair volunteers with need in the state. Full disclosure, my employer (Together SC) is the primary partner, but there is no financial gain for us in this. It could be a useful tool in this time to help organize volunteer assistance if needed. 

 

It is very much up to local communities to step up, and I know ours will - thank you for jumpstarting this effort. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist. I have some travel early next week, but would love to assist physically where I can when I return.

 

For our food bank operators, I also would be very interested to know the impact on the ground as November 1 hits - increases in those coming to get food, other impacts you’re hearing from those individuals, struggles you may be having in getting food products, etc — if there’s something I can do, please let me know.