My name is Denise Holland, and I’m the CEO of the Harvest Hope Food Bank in Columbia, South Carolina. I’m here representing the Harvest Hope Food Bank, which serves 20 counties in central South Carolina, as well as Feeding America Food Bank Network, the largest hunger relief organization in the United States. Feeding America member food banks serve all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Almost every community in the United States is served by a Feeding America food bank and its local network of food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, group homes, after-school programs and programs that serve the elderly. This work is accomplished through programs supported by congregations of every religious persuasion, civic organizations and social welfare agencies. More than 50,000 local programs are included in this system of private sector support for the poor and needy in our communities.

The Harvest Hope Food Bank is always busy...trying to feed hungry people in South Carolina. They are busier during the holiday season. Carole spoke with Harvest Hope's Executive Director, Denise Holland who presented insight about the many ways we can all assist Harvest in its ongoing efforts.

Over 440,000 South Carolinians experience hunger every day.  Can you believe that?  

And those individuals aren't just homeless people. One of them could be your next door neighbor!  Harvest Hope Food Bank is South Carolina's local effort for the nation's Feeding America organization (www.feedingamerica.org). 

Harvest Hope is a non-profit organization that was established nearly 30 years ago by concerned individuals who believed that the problem of hunger is the community's responsibility. 

Their mission is "to gather and share quality food with dignity, compassion, and education." 

They help feed people of all ages, and they have special children's programs to meet the needs of the young adults. 

Here are some stats...

Did you know that Harvest Hope Food Bank in South Carolina has experienced an average 40% increase in the number of people needing assistance each month in 2008? 

And, according to a USDA Report in November, South Carolina has the fifth largest hunger population in the country, and the sixth largest food insecure population in the U.S?

As the economy continues to be in recession-mode (higher unemployment rates, higher food prices, lower wages, etc.), hunger is growing. And millions more Americans are seeking SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)/Food Stamp benefits. In fact, from April 2007 to August 2008, the number of people needing Food Stamp benefits increased from 26.3 million to 29.5 million.

Nearly 50% of all states in the country have at least one in 10 residents who receive Food Stamp benefits, and South Carolina is one of them.

YOU CAN HELP feed hungry people in South Carolina (and the entire nation)!

Click HERE to visit their website (www.harvesthope.org).  Or call 803.254.4432.  Or visit Harvest Hope Food Bank on Shop Road in Columbia, SC (directions on their website).

You can donate ONLINE at www.harvesthope.org.  Just $15 feeds a family in one week!