Courtney’s Thoughts
As deadline loomed, I texted Barry and candidly shared that the only thing I had the bandwidth to write about was what I was currently seeing at my day job as CEO of Bluffton Self Help. He gamely agreed to yield his word count to me to “tee off as someone directly affected by this BS.”
I am going to be a little nicer than that … you get more bees with honey … and maybe just share the facts.
Yes, the government shutdown and the politics of the current situation have directly affected thousands of our neighbors who were blindsided by the elimination of November SNAP benefits. This crisis, paired with the upcoming holidays, compounds stress and leaves little room for celebration.
This beautiful paradise that we get to call home, and that many assume is an affluent area, is actually a community struggling. Nearly 45% of households in Beaufort County and approximately 59% in Jasper County are economically at risk. Not earning a livable wage (approximately $75,600 for a family of three in Beaufort County and $65,800 in Jasper), they are just one mishap away from a financial crisis.
At Bluffton Self Help, we have been working quickly and tirelessly to ensure our neighbors have uninterrupted access to quality food, resources, and hope – because the need is real, and it’s growing every day.
But there is good news. The Market at Bluffton Self Help is a free grocery store for anyone who lives or works in Bluffton, or lives in Jasper County and receives social security or disability benefits. When a family shops with us for their weekly groceries, they can save $500 a month, allowing families to either stay afloat or begin gaining traction forward as they are able to reallocate those dollars to another part of their budget.
Food is non-negotiable at Self Help. We know how hard it is for a family to walk across our threshold for the first time and we also know that we have just one opportunity to create an experience that leaves a neighbor in need feeling met with dignity, ambiance, and choice vs. stigma, shame, or guilt.
While food pantries do a great job helping combat hunger, our model is different. We are a free local grocery store providing equitable access to nutrient-dense, health-sustaining food for those who would otherwise go without.
But it’s not just about accessibility. We also:
• Empower neighbors to make choices that benefit and strengthen their families. We always have eggs, milk, meat, and fresh produce. When families have the freedom to choose the items that work best for them, we help ensure that everyone gets the foods that truly meet their needs, supporting both physical health and overall well-being.
• Offer a welcoming space that conveys confidence and dignity. When neighbors step into The Market, they enter a bright, encouraging, and positive space that looks and feels like a quaint, local grocery store; the only difference is that there is no exchange of funds.
• Prioritize a positive experience through genuine warmth and hospitality. The Market is staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers that serve as an important point of connection for our neighbors. The smiles from behind the Red Aprons combined with the ongoing conversations and greeting our neighbors by name are just as important as the food on the shelves. From the moment a neighbor arrives until the moment a volunteer helps load the groceries into the car (or bike or backpack), our neighbors know someone is cheering for them. And that level of support and encouragement during a difficult time is profoundly important to meeting someone, holistically and without judgment, where they are.
We treat our neighbors how we would want to be treated if we were in their shoes. We meet our neighbors with grace, ensuring that they feel comfortable and empowered to utilize The Market. They have the opportunity to chat, connect, and maybe share a laugh.
In a sea of politics and policies that affect our families directly, our goal is simple. We stick to the mission to empower and advocate for our neighbors to better their lives. We simply cannot do this work alone.
So, when Barry offered to put his column where his mouth is I invited him to come in and see behind the scenes of Bluffton Self Help. And he did. He worked side-by-side with two seasoned volunteers, sorting and stacking non-perishables in anticipation of the holiday crush.
Last week, 1,323 individuals were nourished because The Market exists. No politics, just people.
The generosity of our community allows us to continue this work. And we are grateful. We can’t do it without you. If you are inclined and able to help, please visit our website, blufftonselfhelp.org, to donate and/or shop our most needed items list.
PS: Because collaboration is far more powerful than competition, supporting our partners at The Deep Well Project on Hilton Head Island is another way to give back this season.
Scan to visit Bluffton Self Help’s website and learn more about how you can help!
Barry’s Thoughts
Yeah, what she said.
All I will add to Courtney’s brilliantly eloquent statement, which contained far fewer curse words than was probably warranted, was that we as a nation need some grownups. I don’t care what your politics are, the people you root for on whatever side of the aisle you root for have been reduced to catty teenagers. I don’t know when this started, but it definitely didn’t just begin in 2015.
I say this as a person who has no less than three action figures on his desk – the people in charge need to grow the hell up. Spend more time helping people and less time being sassy at each other on social media. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
