St. Helena Island Group Hosts Juneteenth Food Giveaway Event

Since the days of enslavement, the Gullah Geechee community has faced injustice, hardships, and many challenges that have shaped their integrity and commitment to sustaining their culture and their people. When COVID-19 hit, Gullah Geechee organizations, particularly on St. Helena Island in Beaufort County, came to the rescue of those in need of food due to unemployment, school closures, and other causes of food insecurity.

Gullah Geechee Initiative Foundation, Inc. (GGIF) received a Rapid Response Grant from Eat Smart Move More South Carolina to assist in purchasing healthy food and personal protective equipment specifically for a food distribution event centered around Juneteenth – the annual celebration commemorating freedom for slaves.

“Eat Smart Move More South Carolina was the first to contribute to our food distribution project. This allowed us to leverage additional funding from businesses such as Walmart,” said Kamal Wigfall, executive director of GGIF.

More than 200 bags of non-perishable food and 150 boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables were given away to anyone in need. In addition to free food, dental products and voter registration forms were also distributed.

They leveraged funds and other resources through partners like Community Resource Center North Charleston, Simba League, Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce, SC DHEC, Walmart Nos. 7181 and 1383, Marshview Community Organic Farm, Girl Scouts Troop 4105, and the Beaufort County Board of Voter Registration & Elections.

GGIF is a non-profit organization that provides athletic, cultural, and academic services to the young people of St. Helena Island, SC, preparing them for community service and a life of excellence. They foster knowledge of self and preventing youth from engaging in juvenile delinquency and performing poorly academically.

For more information about the Gullah Geechee Initiative Foundation, Inc. visit their website.