Charleston County, South Carolina — This Thanksgiving, the Humanities Foundation will conduct a series of community food deliveries to help feed families in need around the Lowcountry.
Organizers said the giveaways let them reach thousands of Lowcountry people who are struggling to put food on the table.
“We’re here to support you, we care about all of our partners, and we’re all in this together,” a foundation spokesperson stated.
Several local groups gave almost $30,000 to fund four “Turkey Day” food handouts throughout the region. On Monday, the Humanities Foundation brought in more than 50,000 pounds of food for distribution. Their delivery vans also allow them to reach food deserts, which are neighborhoods with limited access to fresh products.
“We had to step up to the plate, and Charleston, as always, did so,” the spokesman stated.
According to Lamar Mowatt of the Humanities Foundation, the idea is to assist people store their pantries for weeks, not just for Thanksgiving.
“We also want to bless the household with additional groceries outside of just Thanksgiving,” Mowatt said. “Something that can last a week, two weeks, filling their cabinets is our ultimate goal.”
Even when SNAP payments were resumed, the charity observes that many Lowcountry people continue to struggle to purchase the ingredients for a typical Thanksgiving feast.
“It’s a difficult time for a lot of families,” Mowatt explained. “Our seniors are on fixed incomes, the holidays are right around the corner, whether they have family or are experiencing loneliness.”
He believes the most rewarding aspect is observing people’s emotions.
“Just the smiling faces does it for me,” he claimed. “Not knowing where their next meal may come from, having to make those tough choices and decisions.”
This year’s Thanksgiving dinner may cost a little less than previous year’s. According to a new analysis from the American Farm Bureau Federation, the average cost of a “classic” Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people is around $5 per person, which is approximately 5% less than in 2023. However, several staples—such as frozen peas, sweet potatoes, and vegetable trays—have become more expensive.
