Mount Pleasant, South Carolina: East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) announces it has been awarded a $15,000 grant from Publix Super Markets Charities to support Hunger Relief.
Established in 1966, Publix Super Markets Charities aims to meet the needs of the people in the communities, in which Publix operates. They commit to being dedicated to the dignity and value of the human spirit – helping to strengthen it to overcome adversity, determined to offer people hope and a choice for the future, and devoted to the highest standards of community involvement as demonstrated by their founder, George W. Jenkins.
“Food insecurity is an increasing public health issue in our community, but thanks to the generous support of Publix Charities, ECCO is continuing to provide food, household cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene items for an increasing number of local families,” said Stephanie Kelley, ECCO’s Executive Director. “Food assistance is the most requested service at ECCO. We have seen a 23% increase in the number of client households utilizing ECCO’s Wellness Pantry compared to the same time period in FYE25. Within these 962 homes facing food insecurity (last year this number was 785), there has been a 25% increase in the total number of household members. This would not be possible without the support of Publix Charities and their commitment to nourishing the communities where they live and work.”
| When local neighbors are facing financial hardship, ECCO is there to provide help and hope. Whether it’s one single service provided like food or financial assistance or years of walking through hardship, the ECCO team encourages, advocates, and develops a system of support focused on helping local neighbors navigate through life’s challenges.
In 2025, ECCO provided assistance to 1,444 local households. These households were made up of men and women experiencing a wide array of challenges including financial distress. Their programs reach senior citizens, the disabled, unemployed or underemployed, veterans, families living in generational poverty, and those experiencing situational poverty. ECCO supports those battling serious health conditions, fleeing domestic violence, or experiencing homelessness.
The support of organizations like Publix Super Markets Charities is making it possible for ECCO to continue providing life-changing programs and services to neighbors in their time of need. The investment into the organization will provide direct assistance to its Client Navigation efforts, food distribution, and financial assistance programs.
Food assistance is at the heart and soul of what ECCO provides to neighbors in their time of need. With support from valued partners, they are available to provide assistance to ensure no one in the East Cooper communities goes without food. In the past fiscal year, ECCO’s Wellness Pantry served 943 families through food assistance and distributed over 794,000 lbs. of food.
To find out how you can partner with ECCO and support their food assistance programs, please visit www.eccocharleston.org/fooddrives. If you are made aware of anyone in need of food assistance, ECCO asks that you contact them directly at 843-849-9220 or email [email protected]. |
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About ECCO
Founded as an emergency relief effort in 1989 after the devastation from Hurricane Hugo, East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) has since grown into a permanent resource for the community with three main service areas: Assistance, Guidance, and Resources. Nearly two thousand families receive help through ECCO’s Wellness Pantry, Financial Assistance, Dental & Medical Clinics, Prescription Assistance, Clothing Closet, Asset Development Program, and more each year. Enhanced through personal interactions with staff who provide individualized support and coaching for each client, ECCO meets each client where they are and helps them navigate the challenges they are facing with care and compassion. ECCO is also a place where people who want to help their neighbors in need can find meaningful ways to share their time, talent, and treasure. Each year, over 1,000 neighbors give their time volunteering at ECCO. For more information about how to receive help or provide help, visit www.eccocharleston.org. Follow ECCO on social media @eccocharleston for updates, photos, and more ways to get involved.
About Publix Charities
At Publix Charities, they endeavor to support nonprofit organizations that assist people in need within our communities, so they have the opportunity to lead successful lives. They are dedicated to preserving the dignity and value of the human spirit in the face of adversity, determined to offer people hope and a choice for the future, and devoted to the highest standards of community involvement as demonstrated by founder, George W. Jenkins. An active philanthropist who donated his time, talent, and money, Jenkins—affectionately known as Mr. George—established Publix Charities in 1966 to care for the communities Publix served. Today, Publix Charities continues Mr. George’s legacy by supporting nonprofit organizations throughout the Southeast. To learn more, visit https://publixcharities.org/about/ |
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