At Move For Hunger, we are passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of communities facing food insecurity. That’s why we were eager to partner with the Society of St. Andrew and the Pee Dee Tribal community to distribute nutritious produce in South Carolina.
Together, we orchestrated a sweet potato drop, redirecting 40,000 pounds of salvaged fresh potatoes to the tribe in mid-May. This initiative not only provided sustenance to the area but also honored the cultural and historical significance of the Pee Dee Indian Tribe (PDIT) within the region.
The Pee Dee Indian Tribe: A Cultural Legacy
Nestled along the Pee Dee River in northeastern South Carolina's Pee Dee region, the Pee Dee Indian Tribe (PDIT) is a small American Indian tribe with a rich heritage. Though their current enrollment stands at less than 150 individuals, their historical influence as a cultural and political force cannot be overstated. It was due to the tribe's cultural and political significance that Europeans named the Pee Dee River and the Pee Dee region after them. The Pee Dee community, deeply rooted in the sacred connection between land and nature, predominantly leads rural lives that are intricately woven into the local agricultural economy and community.
In the broader context of Native Americans in the United States, hunger disproportionately burdens their communities, with Census data showing that it affects over one in five individuals. According to the USDA's research, a mere 26% of Native communities reside within a one-mile radius of a supermarket. Consequently, individuals living in Native communities face significant challenges in accessing federal food assistance programs such as SNAP.
By embracing their traditional values of sharing and caring for one another, the Pee Dee Tribe exemplifies the power of community-driven initiatives in combating hunger. They have become a shining example of how local solutions rooted in culture and heritage can bring about positive change and make a significant impact on the lives of those in need.
Commitment to Empowerment
The Government of the Pee Dee Indian Tribe (PDIT) is dedicated to empowering its people by preserving and practicing cultural traditions, fostering economic development through strategic partnerships, and advocating for American Indian issues on both national and regional levels.
At Move For Hunger, we strive to empower communities by preserving cultural traditions, fostering economic development, and advocating for important regional and national issues impacting American Indians. Our collaboration with the PDIT aligns perfectly with these values, and we are proud to support their goals.
The Potato Drop: A Collaborative Achievement
In a collaborative effort, Society of St. Andrew, Move For Hunger, Southern Roots Farm, Mangum Trucking, and the Pee Dee Tribal community organized a potato drop. This initiative, which is part of the ongoing work conducted by these organizations, involved the delivery of 40,000 pounds of nutritious sweet potatoes to the community.
The Society of St. Andrew was a key coordinator in this endeavor. Their Potato and Produce Project regularly redirects about 40,000-45,000-pound loads of fresh, nutritious produce to food banks, soup kitchens, food pantries, low income housing areas, local churches, and other hunger agencies for distribution to communities in need. The Society of St. Andrew has been known to coordinate up to 200 potato drops in a year! Their expertise and dedication are instrumental in bringing the community together to address food insecurity.
Southern Roots Farm provided the sweet potatoes for the potato drop, facilitating the access to these essential resources. Their commitment to supporting local communities shines through in their continued collaboration.
Mangum Trucking, a woman-owned trucking company, played a crucial role in making the potato drop possible. Their specialized agricultural dump truck, unique in the region, ensured the safe and efficient transportation of the 40,000 pounds of sweet potatoes. Their involvement highlights the importance of access to specialized equipment and the dedication of local businesses in supporting community initiatives.
Society of St. Andrew: Gleaning for Good
The Society of St. Andrew is a faith-based nonprofit organization that brings people together to harvest and share healthy food, and build caring communities. They salvage tractor-trailer loads of potatoes and other produce, rescuing them from rejection by commercial markets or factories due to slight imperfections in size, shape, sugar content, or surface blemishes. Moreover, they actively glean farm lands, recovering excess food and working closely with farmers to capture surplus crops. Through their coordinated distribution efforts, they ensure that rescued and surplus food reaches those in need, making a significant impact beyond the realms of potato salvage alone.
The potato drop coordinated by the Society of St. Andrew, Move For Hunger, Magnum Trucking, The Pee Dee Tribe and Southern Roots Farm showcased the incredible impact that can be achieved through joint efforts. By continuing to work hand in hand, we aim to help communities preserve their cultural traditions while building a brighter future for their people. Together, we stand strong in our commitment to combating hunger and fostering positive change.
Since launching our Fresh Food Program in 2021, we have developed innovative transportation solutions for perishable food and delivered over 4.8 million pounds to food insecure individuals. If you want to be a part of our mission to fight hunger and make a positive impact, we invite you to join us and take action.
