Harvest Hope Announces New “Pantries of Hope” Program

COLUMBIA, SC – September 17, 2021 – To help celebrate Hunger Action Day, Harvest Hope is launching a new program – Pantries of Hope – to provide food for new beginnings by supplying pantry staples to neighbors graduating from local aftercare programs and opening a new chapter in their life.

To introduce this program to the Midlands community, Harvest Hope is partnering with local nonprofit, Oliver Gospel Mission, to provide pantry staples to three individuals who are graduating from their life-recovery program at Toby’s Place and beginning a new chapter in their lives.

“At Harvest Hope, we believe in providing more than just food, but providing hope to those in need,” says Erinn Rowe, Harvest Hope CEO. “By starting ‘Pantries of Hope,’ our goal is to fill more than just tables – but to help lift the burden of a grocery expense and fill neighbors with hope for their new beginning.”

Toby’s Place provides transitional housing for women coming out of incarceration, foster care, or a rehabilitation treatment center. These women are given the opportunity to learn life skills and are connected with jobs that can help them get back onto their feet.

“When our clients are ready to start their new chapter, expenses such as clothing, furniture and food can add up quick,” says Travis McNeal, Executive Director of Oliver Gospel Mission. “Being able to partner with Harvest Hope to ensure they are receiving healthy and nutritious food pantry staples is truly a blessing. Together, we hope to set these women up for an abundant and bright future.”

The Pantries of Hope program hopes to expand across all of Harvest Hope’s 20-county service area. For those interested in supporting the program, please visit harvesthope.org.
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About Harvest Hope

Harvest Hope is building a hunger-free tomorrow in 20 counties across South Carolina, including Greenville and Laurens counties. Rescuing food from stores that is at risk of being discarded, as well as sourcing food from the community and producers, they distribute it to local food pantries and through feeding programs. Programs provide food for some of SC’s most vulnerable citizens – children, seniors, and rural residents who don’t have access to reliable transportation to grocery stores. Annually, Harvest Hope provides over 22 million meals to neighbors in need across their service area.

About Oliver Gospel Mission

Serving the Midlands since 1888, the Oliver Gospel Mission serves men, women and children who are experiencing homelessness and poverty in Columbia, South Carolina. The organization’s mission is to engage and transform lives together through the power of Christ’s love. Oliver Gospel Mission has three operations – Men’s Center, Toby’s Place and the Roastery and Thrift Store.