Second Helpings

Second Helpings is a nonprofit food rescue organization striving to eliminate hunger in the South Carolina Lowcountry. We fight hunger and food insecurity in our community by collecting food that would otherwise go to waste and distribute it, free of charge, to local food pantries, soup kitchens, and family programs for people in need. We buy fresh, healthy produce and proteins to supplement our food rescue efforts.

In 2024, we rescued and distributed 3.3 million pounds of food, free of charge, to 54 local food pantries, soup kitchens, and family programs for our neighbors in need.

Our 468 volunteers and small staff enable us to do a lot with the donations we receive. Each dollar donated enables us to rescue six pounds of food, enough for five meals!

Most of our volunteers are drivers and helpers.  They take our 16-foot refrigerated trucks to grocery stores and other outlets to "rescue" food and deliver it, free of charge, to more than 50 food pantries, soup kitchens, and family programs who then distribute the food to those in need.  

Truck volunteers can work from the base of their choosing: Hilton Head Island (First Presbyterian Church parking lot); Bluffton (Sun City parking lot); and Beaufort (County Administration Building parking lot).

Truck volunteers must be at least 18 years old and able to lift 40 pounds.  Truck drivers need a valid driver's license (a commercial license is not required) and must be comfortable driving a large vehicle.

Other volunteers represent Second Helpings at community events and festivals, participate on committees, help stage and load healthy food purchases for our agencies, serve as neighborhood ambassadors, and receive food from tourists leaving the island on Saturday mornings during the summer months.

Volunteer schedules are flexible; as little as four hours per month is needed.