At a Summer Harvest distribution in Aiken County, Deanna’s youngest son was making the best of a hot day at the park, laughing, climbing, and finding joy wherever he could.
For Deanna, the moment held something deeper: relief.
As a single mom raising two boys, ages 9 and 17, Deanna knows how quickly food costs can stretch a family budget thin. Her household includes her two sons and her mom, all working together to get through each month. They receive SNAP benefits, but with one income and no child support, those benefits only go so far.
“It helps,” Deanna said. “But it goes quickly.”
Between medical needs, household bills, groceries, and the everyday costs of raising a family, Deanna said there are times when there is simply “more month than money.”
That is where food distributions help fill the gap.
Deanna first heard about the Summer Harvest distribution through Facebook after someone shared it in a local moms group. This was not her first time receiving food assistance, and she remembers how much previous distributions helped her family. Around the holidays, receiving a turkey saved her $20 to $30, money she could use for other meals and to make the season feel a little brighter. Another time, fresh fruits and vegetables helped her stretch meals and bring more healthy food into the house.
For Deanna, every box of food represents more than groceries. It means breathing room. It means one less decision between food and another need. It means knowing someone in the community cares. When asked what gives her hope, Deanna did not hesitate. “Just people willing to donate and to help out,” she said, “so others can have who are struggling.” For her family, that generosity makes a difference.
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