Columbia Rallies Together After Helene’s Impact
Columbia, S.C. — As South Carolina continues to feel the effects of Hurricane Helene, the community has stepped up to help each other bounce back. Grocers in the Central and Western parts of the state are working hard to get their shelves restocked after facing numerous challenges in the wake of the storm.
The Resilience of Local Grocers
One of the first to notice the impact of Helene was Christa Williams, owner of Uncle Willie’s Grocery Store on North Main Street. This cozy little grocery shop is known for its wide variety of food, staples, specialty items, and health food options. Despite being a small, independent business, Williams shared how the hurricane affected their operations, stating, “Small artisans that I buy from delayed shipping until there was more information about the storm. I have received some shipments a little later than expected because of the hurricane.”
It’s clear that even the tiniest shops feel the ripple effects of natural disasters. And they’re not alone. Bigger players, such as the Walmart Supercenter on Garners Ferry Road, also faced serious setbacks when they lost power on Friday morning, forcing workers to throw away hundreds of perishable items.
Community Focus from Larger Retailers
Fast forward to Tuesday evening, and the Walmart employees were hustling to restock the shelves with new refrigerated products. However, it was evident that some dairy items were still in short supply. In a conversation with Brooks Nelson, the Director of Disaster Preparedness and Response for Walmart, he emphasized the retailer’s commitment to the community. “We’re focusing on getting our stores back up and running. We know that when the Walmart opens in that community, it provides hope in that community. It brings normalcy back,” said Brooks.
He highlighted how Walmart was actively working to help those affected by Helene, explaining, “We’re using our parking lot and physical footprint in that community to stage supplies. We work with partners who provide hot showers, laundry services, feeding units, hot spots, and charging stations.”
The Efforts of Other Grocery Chains
Not to be left out, Publix released a statement announcing, “Our manufacturing and distribution teams are working around the clock to make, load, and deliver products to our stores. We are making deliveries, but product availability may vary by store due to several factors, including accessibility by our distribution network.”
Another grocery store chain, Kroger, is also stepping up to aid relief efforts. Kroger spokesperson shared, “We are focusing on local disaster relief through direct donations of much-needed supplies such as water and ice. Additionally, Kroger is hosting a customer round-up to support the American Red Cross during this critical time.” Starting today, Kroger customers can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar or make a donation at checkout, with all proceeds going directly to the Red Cross for disaster relief.
Good News for Shoppers
As of Tuesday evening, there’s good news for Columbia residents: all Walmart locations in South Carolina have reopened! Customers can expect to see stores fully stocked with the essentials as everyone works diligently to restore a sense of normalcy. The community spirit shines brightly in Columbia, reminding everyone that, together, we can overcome even the toughest challenges.
In conclusion, while the aftermath of Hurricane Helene has posed obstacles for grocers in Columbia and surrounding areas, the response from both local and larger retailers showcases the power of community and resilience. Everyone is pitching in to ensure that residents have what they need to get back on their feet.
