Harvest Hope Food Bank and Heroes In Blue will be partnered for the launch of Greg’s Groceries on Wednesday, August 23rd at Harvest Hope’s Shop Road location, with a press conference at 10 a.m.
The event featured representatives from Heroes In Blue, Harvest Hope Food Bank, Columbia Police Department and Swansea Police Department, who spoke on the importance of community policing. Representatives from each organization participated in packing a Greg’s Groceries box following the press conference.
Greg’s Groceries is a program created by Heroes In Blue, in conjunction with Harvest Hope Food Bank. The program is designed to provide police departments with boxes of shelf stable food to be placed into patrol cars so that the officers can address hunger as they encounter it in their communities. Greg’s Groceries is in a pilot state, with Columbia Police Department and Swansea Police Department serving as the initial partners. Greg’s Groceries is named in honor of the memory of Greg Alia, a Forest Acres Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2015. August 23 marks what would have been Alia’s 34th birthday. His parents, Dr. and Mrs. Alia, will be among the volunteers packing the boxes.
“Our Heroes In Blue team believes that true change happens when we bridge our law enforcement and community resources to make a difference,” Heroes In Blue President Kassy Alia shared. “We have heard time and time again about how police come across families who are hungry. Too often, their only choice is to engage emergency custody to help the family. But what if there was another option? Greg’s Groceries is that option. By providing police with the resources they need to make a positive difference, we are showing just how powerful we can be when we join together to support one another.”
“As an agency dedicated to 21st century policing, we are excited to collaborate as a pilot site for the Greg’s Groceries program,” stated Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook. “This partnership will provide us with an opportunity to help those in need and continue to build relationships within the community.
Individuals who are interested in providing donations or who wish to volunteer should visit www.harvesthope.org or call 803-254-4432. Donations may also be made to Heroes In Blue at our www.heroesinblue.net.
To view photos from this event, visit our Facebook Page – Greg’s Groceries Photo Album
