Grocers in Columbia, S.C. Rally to Restock Shelves After Storm Helene’s Impact

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Grocers Working Hard to Restock After Helene’s Blow

It’s been a challenging time for many in the grocery industry here in Columbia, South Carolina. As the community begins to recover from the impacts of the recent storm named Helene, local grocers are putting in their best efforts to restock their shelves and serve their customers once again.

Local Grocers Facing Challenges

At Uncle Willie’s Grocery Store on North Main Street, owner Christa Williams has been diligently working to keep her small, independent store stocked with essentials. This quaint spot is known for its diverse selection of food, staples, specialty items, and health-conscious options. Despite being a smaller retailer, Williams experienced setbacks due to the storm’s aftermath.

“I usually get my supplies from small artisans and local vendors,” Williams explained. “But many of them decided to delay shipments until they had more information about the storm. So, I’ve received some shipments a little later than expected.” It’s a reality many independent grocers are facing, as they play a critical role in the local supply chain.

Big Chain Stores Affected Too

But it’s not just the independent stores that felt the impact of Helene. Major retailers, such as the Walmart Supercenter on Garners Ferry Road, faced significant hurdles as well. The storm knocked out power to the store, leading to the disposal of hundreds of perishable items on Friday morning.

By Tuesday evening, employees at the Walmart were hustling to restock the shelves with fresh refrigerated products. However, customers may still notice some shortages, particularly in the dairy aisle. Brooks Nelson, the Director of Disaster Preparedness and Response with Walmart, shared insight into their recovery efforts. “We’re focused on getting our stores back up and running,” Nelson said. “When a Walmart opens, it tends to signify hope and a return to normalcy for the community.”

Community-Focused Initiatives

Nelson did not stop there. He mentioned many ways Walmart is stepping up to assist the community during this recovery period. “We’re actively donating products and utilizing our store parking lots to stage supplies for those in need. We’ve partnered with organizations providing hot showers, laundry services, feeding units, as well as hot spots and charging stations for those impacted by the storm,” he said.

Other grocery chains are stepping up too. Publix released an encouraging statement, noting their commitment to restoring services. “Our manufacturing and distribution teams are working around the clock to make, load, and deliver products to our stores,” they stated, while also acknowledging that product availability may differ from store to store due to various factors, such as logistical challenges.

Kroger is also playing its part, with a focus on community support through local disaster relief efforts. They announced an exciting initiative — a customer round-up campaign designed to bolster support for the American Red Cross and their disaster relief efforts. Starting this month, Kroger customers have the option to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar at checkout, with all donations during October going directly to support those in need following the storm.

Road to Recovery

As of Tuesday evening, good news for shoppers: Walmart has successfully reopened all its South Carolina locations. With this reopening, there’s a collective sense of progress as the community starts piecing itself back together after the storm.

It’s heartwarming to see not just local businesses, but also larger chains, coming together to support the community in the wake of such challenges. As Columbia continues on its journey toward recovery, it’s evident that the resilience and unity of local grocers and the community are shining bright, making a real difference in these trying times.