Golden Corner, The Storehouse to benefit from donations, ‘strain on our food pantries’

Upcountry Fiber has launched its first annual “Give Big, Get Gig” campaign to support local food banks. Customers are encouraged to drop off at least three unexpired, nonperishable food items at the Upcountry Fiber office in Seneca.

This year, the demand for non-perishable items at local food banks has surged beyond the usual holiday increase due to economic challenges and unexpected hardships many families face from Tropical Storm Helene’s recent devastation.

“Hurricane Helene’s widespread damage resulted in a strain on our food pantries. More than ever, we have an opportunity to collectively help this year,” said Upcountry Fiber Area Manager Max Crawford.

Upcountry Fiber’s campaign will ensure that two local food banks, Golden Corner Food Pantry and The Storehouse in Easley, are well-stocked to serve those affected.

Customers participating in the campaign will receive a complimentary internet speed upgrade for December. Current Gig customers will also receive an Upcountry Fiber-branded wearable for their donation.

Non-customers are also welcome to drop donations off at the Upcountry Fiber office.

“The speed increase will come at an ideal time for the holidays, coinciding with increased internet usage. We expect many Christmas movie streaming marathons, video calls, and new WiFi-enabled devices,” Crawford said.

From now until November 30, collection bins will be available in the lobby of Upcountry Fiber’s office, located at 9 Boardwalk Place, Seneca. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Golden Corner Food Pantry

The Golden Corner Food Pantry in Seneca offers emergency food supplies and other services to help people struggling to make ends meet.

“At the Golden Corner Food Pantry, we provide food assistance to more than 1,100 low-income Oconee County households (2,400 people) every month,” said Mike Harlin, chairman of the GCFP board of directors.

Jeff Heaton, director of Golden Corner Food Pantry in Seneca, said, “November and December are critical for us, not just because of the increased demand from clients but also because we need to secure enough food to meet this demand.

“With more families relying on our services during these months, every contribution makes a significant impact,” he said. “It helps us continue our mission of alleviating food insecurity in the community.”

Residents receive non-perishable foods, fresh produce, bread and desserts, milk and eggs, and frozen meats.

Golden Corner Food Pantry’s clients are working people who can’t make ends meet, people with disabilities, senior citizens, single parents with children, people between jobs, and grandparents raising their grandchildren.

The Golden Corner Food Pantry has also partnered with Publix Grocery Store for the Good Together Hunger Campaign, which raises funds and gathers food donations.

“We continue to serve a growing need for food assistance in Oconee County. In the past two years, client numbers have risen nearly 50%,” Harlin said.

Services offered at the Golden Corner Food Pantry

Here is a list of services the Golden Corner Food Pantry offers:

• The pantry provides a variety of food, including canned goods, fresh produce, frozen meats, and more.

• The pantry offers programs like the Daily Food Program to help families and single mothers and the Food for Seniors program to help seniors.

• The pantry also offers counseling, networking, and information about other types of help.

• On Tuesdays through Fridays and the first Saturday of the month, the pantry transforms a portion of its distribution area into a grocery store where clients can shop for food.

The Golden Corner Food Pantry also operates a drive-through program for senior citizens on Mondays and a Mobile Food Pantry program in outlying county areas three Saturdays per month.

How to qualify for food at Golden Corner food pantry?

To qualify for food assistance, applicants must live in Oconee County and have a gross household income of less than 150% of the federal poverty level.

Residents can enroll at the pantry, where trained volunteers can help them meet enrollment requirements. Call the pantry at 864-882-3610 from 10 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday.

Volunteer options available at Golden Corner food pantry

If you’re interested in joining the Golden Corner Food Pantry team, several opportunities are available as daily volunteers, senior program volunteers, and Grocery and box Pick-up Volunteers. Click here to fill out a volunteer form.

The Storehouse

The Storehouse Food Pantry in Pickens provides food for households facing food insecurity. This faith-based organization aims to support individuals in crisis by connecting them with sustainable living resources.

Lesa Howard, the Storehouse director, said the Storehouse offers a drive-through pantry every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., serving an average of 75 to 80 families weekly. Additionally, the Storehouse distributes food inside from Tuesday to Thursday, reaching another 175 families.

The Storehouse self-shopping experience allows individuals and families to shop based on family size.

Participants can select the items they wish to take home, and each person is assigned a personal shopper. This personal shopper informs them of the quantity of each item they can take based on their family size.

“We try not to limit fresh produce and allow everyone to get frozen protein, bread, and dessert,” Howard said.

Jim Roach, a Liberty resident, shared his appreciation for the system.

“What I like about their setup is that you can make an appointment a month in advance, ensuring you have a dedicated time slot,” he said. “When you arrive, they work with you efficiently, and you’re in and out in 30 minutes, avoiding long lines and large crowds.”

He mentioned that it’s more convenient, allowing people to plan and manage their time better. “I wish all food banks operated like this,” he said.

The Storehouse Pantry offers the following services.

• Quality food items for individuals and families in need.

• Offers a market by appointment only

• Accept donations of food, personal hygiene items, and household cleaning supplies.

To make an appointment to register and shop at the Storehouse Market, call 864-920-3663.

The Storehouse Pantry also operates two drive-thru food pantries to serve the local community in Easley. On the first Thursday of each month, the pantry is at Powderville First Baptist Church, 4212 Hwy 153, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Additionally, every Saturday, the drive-thru pantry can be found at The Storehouse, 1021 S. Pendleton St., from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Volunteer options at Storehouse Market

The pantry also offers volunteering opportunities, which involve organizing, distributing, and supporting the provision of essential food items to individuals and families in need.

Volunteer Michael Moran expressed his passion for serving others. “I taught school for many years, and after retiring, this gives me an opportunity to continue that service in a different way,” he said.

“Whether I’m stocking shelves, unloading trucks, or even mopping floors, I find fulfillment in contributing to this vital community resource.”

If you are interested in volunteering, Click here to sign up, and someone will contact you within 48 hours.

Photographer Ken Ruinard contributed to this article.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: What to know about food bank campaigns in Pickens, Seneca

EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email news@emeatribune.com Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel