Hunger Doesn't Take a Vacation Campaign

Client Profile
Richland County, South Carolina, partnered with Harvest Hope Food Bank to address food insecurity in the community during National Hunger Awareness Month through a month-long food drive and large-scale food distribution event.

Leadership Role
Serving as Deputy Director of Richland County, Chelsea Bennett led the planning, coordination, and execution of the County’s community outreach efforts for the Harvest Hope “Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation” campaign, overseeing strategy, volunteer management, and event logistics.

The Challenge
Many families in Richland County experience food insecurity, particularly during the summer months when school-based meal programs are unavailable. The County sought to mobilize community resources, engage volunteers, and execute an inclusive, high-impact food drive that could reach hundreds of families in need. The initiative required careful coordination between multiple organizations, communication across diverse community stakeholders, and management of a large-scale distribution event to ensure equitable access to food resources.

Strategic Leadership & Approach
Chelsea led a research-driven, community-focused approach that combined strategic outreach, volunteer engagement, and event planning. The campaign included the creation of five drop-off locations across the County, coordination with Harvest Hope Food Bank staff, and alignment of internal County stakeholders to maximize participation. Messaging emphasized community solidarity, the importance of food security, and actionable steps for residents to contribute.

How the Work Was Led
In her role, Chelsea directed all aspects of the initiative, including:

• Coordinating volunteer teams and internal staff for a month-long food drive.

• Planning and executing a large-scale drive-thru food distribution event at Columbia Place Mall.

• Managing logistics for collection, bagging, and distribution of over 10,000 pounds of food.

• Collaborating with Harvest Hope leadership to ensure smooth operations and maximize community impact.

• Developing and implementing outreach materials to promote the campaign and educate the public on food insecurity.

Outcome
The campaign successfully engaged dozens of volunteers, collected and distributed 10,484 pounds of food, and served 534 households, feeding approximately 7,500 individuals. The initiative strengthened partnerships between Richland County and local organizations, raised awareness around food insecurity, and reinforced the County’s commitment to improving quality of life for residents.

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