HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — The rise in food costs across the country, and on the Grand Strand, has put a strain on many individuals and families.
As a result, food insecurity in Horry County is on the rise. Helping Hand of Myrtle Beach, a nonprofit organization, said with the increase in families they’re helping, it’s becoming difficult to keep their shelves stocked.
Just last year, the agency gave out 274,000 pounds of food.
“Already this year, we’re halfway through. We’re seeing much more,” executive director Tracy Gardner said. “So, that number is going to be much higher than last year.”
Helping Hand of Myrtle Beach is an organization whose goal is to assist individuals and families with immediate needs like food, rent and utilities.
Gardner said they’ve doubled the number of families they are helping just in the last year.
They distribute, on average, 1,345 pounds of food a day. Gardner said about 39% of people living in Horry County are experiencing food insecurity.
“So, there’s a lot of people who are working but still are struggling to pay just the basic bills, provide groceries, just the basic things that you need,” Gardner said. “We’re seeing a lot of families and clients come to us for assistance to try to offset some of that. To help get them through that and get them a little bit more stable, hopefully. But there is a huge increase.”
According to the State Department of Social Services, almost 17,000 people in Horry County receive “SNAP” benefits, which provide nutritional assistance from the government.
The nonprofit is working to fill the gaps for people who don’t qualify, but Gardner believes the level to qualify is too low.
“The threshold is just, I think it’s around maybe $18,000 income for the year, so it’s very low,” she said.
With the need they are seeing in the community, it is putting a strain on them, and their shelves are becoming bare.
“It gets very low right now in the summer. People go on vacation, groups go on break, schools are out,” Gardner said. “So, a lot of people don’t think of doing food drives. But right now, we are low and we need donations.”
Gardner said although the situations may be tough, it’s the impact they are making on individuals that keeps them going.
To help fill their pantry, you can visit in person Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. or donate online by clicking here.
They also have their second annual gala fundraiser on Sept. 19 at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club. They are looking for donations, sponsorships, and people to attend.
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Gracie is a multimedia journalist at News 13 and is from Cleveland, Ohio. Gracie joined the team in June 2023 after graduating from the University of Alabama in May. Follow Gracie on Facebook, Instagram and X, formerly Twitter, & read more of her work here.
