Fighting Hunger in the Palmetto State

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Across the nation, state leaders are asking communities to take part in the fight against hunger. Here in South Carolina, Governor Nikki Haley has declared September ‘Hunger Awareness Month’. 1 in 5, it’s the number of South Carolinians facing hunger on a daily basis. “All these people who are suffering need help. So, we have work to do and it will not be done unless the people of this state understand that there is a challenge and realize that they are the ones that have the answer,” says Lt. Gov Henry McMaster. State leaders are challenging community members and companies to aid in the fight against domestic hunger by supporting the local food banks. According to Harvest Hope CEO Denise Holland, “We would not survive as food banks without the togetherness of the people giving time, people having food drives and people donating money it takes all three things and the power of the community and that is where we will stop hunger.” SCE &G is one company already hard at work combating the hunger epidemic, with employees assembling 600 emergency food boxes. SCE&G employees tell ABC Columbia that while working in the community they see the effects of hunger first hand. “It’s such a painful thing to see kids that really need things we take for granted which is food and supplies like this,” says Peter Whitman. The boxes packed here today are filled with food staples like peanut butter and spaghetti sauce. They’ll provide 21 meals for hungry families across the midlands. According to Whitam, “It’s hard to believe I mean you hear about things like that in other countries but for the United States to have that type of problem you just never really realize.” Officials hope that if more realize the extent of domestic hunger, they’ll join the effort, because only a community effort will put a stop to hunger. Holland says, “In South Carolina, 1 in 5 have missed a meal because they do not have the resources to buy enough food. Together this entire community we can change what that looks like in the state of South Carolina.”