COLUMBIA, S.C. (SCDVA) - On November 21, 2022 Harvest Hope Food Bank and the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs (SCDVA) held a press conference to thank the community and Midlands businesses who partnered for donations received for the Thanksgiving Veterans Food Drive. Nationally, more than 150,000 Servicemembers, Veterans and their families are experiencing food insecurity.

"This is unacceptable to me. These people have given their lives for our country. We are going to step up in this moment and we are going to take care of them," said Harvest Hope CEO Erinn Rowe. 

 "We want Veterans and their family members to come forward and say if you are struggling with anything, let us know about it. Not only are we there to talk about it with you or connect you with resources but we're there to lend support, be a listening ear and also be a sounding board to create a Veteran population that is thriving," said SCDVA Public Information Director Brandon Wilson.

The Thanksgiving food drive was held from November 14th to November 18th, with a total of 3,200 pounds of food items being donated to help Veterans, Servicemembers and their families in the area. Several Midlands businesses also joined SCDVA and Harvest Hope in the food drive to help Veterans over the Thanksgiving holiday including: Craft Axe Throwing-Columbia, Simpson Hardware in Sumter, USC Department of Veteran and Military Affairs, WLTX News 19, Ace Glass of Columbia, and American Legion Headquarters.

Harvest Hope receives donations all year round. Donations can be dropped off on weekdays from 8AM-4:30 PM. Food may be picked up from the Pantry from 9 AM-1PM on Monday through Friday. To locate a Harvest Hope food pantry near you click here.

You can watch highlights from the press conference here.