Charleston, South Carolina — Joe Cunningham Law announced on Wednesday that they would organize a community food drive in the first week of November to help the Lowcountry Food Bank.
According to the organizers, the food drive was prompted by the government shutdown and the suspension of federal funds and SNAP benefits for millions of Americans. As a result, some towns are in crisis, with SNAP serving as some people’ primary source of grocery purchases.
“Having served in Congress during the longest government shutdown in history in 2019, I saw firsthand the devastating ripple effects these political failures have on real people,” said former Congressman and attorney Joe Cunningham. “Every shutdown looks different, but the fear and agony for families who rely on programs like SNAP remains the same. When a family’s principal source of food disappears overnight, it is up to us to respond locally. This food drive aims to provide immediate aid while also demonstrating to our community that we support one another.
The food drive will collect non-perishable food items to assist stock the shelves of the Lowcountry Food Bank, which works to feed communities in need and supports a network of over 240 partner agencies around the state. Donations will be used to assist put food on the table for families who have lost their major source of purchasing groceries due to the halt in SNAP benefits.
“Our firm is built on the principle of serving our community, and that means stepping up when our community is in crisis,” Cunningham said. “We are asking everyone in the Charleston region who is able to donate. Every can of food, every box of pasta, will make a significant difference in the lives of families experiencing hunger this November.”
The commodities in highest demand, according to the announcement, include canned meats, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, pasta, rice, beans, and shelf-stable milk.
The food drive will be hosted at 44 Folly Road, Suite C in Charleston from November 3 to November 7.
