Helping Those in Need Since 2011

Reflecting on Growth and Community Impact

In 2023, Bluffton Community Kitchen (BCK) made remarkable strides. As the Executive Director, I’m proud to share how our organization has transitioned from a small, grassroots initiative into a dynamic community resource. Founded by my mother, Ida Martin, in 2011, BCK initially provided just 500 hot meals. Today, our service offerings and operational scope have vastly expanded, underscoring our commitment to uplifting our community.

2023 Milestones and Expanded Services

BCK served over 43,000 hot meals in 2023 and provided a welcoming outdoor food pantry to more than 9,000 individuals. We launched an after-school enrichment program for 25 students, held four days a week, to support academic and personal growth. Additionally, we introduced “Ida’s Closet,” a program close to my heart, named in honor of my mother. This bi-weekly initiative offers essential household and personal supplies to community members, including supplies for pets, and has quickly become our most popular service based on customer feedback.

BCK’s outdoor food pantry has seen increased demand, with its “Food Tree” restocked twice a week to keep pace. The number of community volunteers grew from 37 in 2022 to 65 in 2023, reflecting the growing support for our mission.

The Team Behind Our Success: Welcoming Our First Full-Time Employee

Our most impactful change this year was hiring Candyce Valmont, our first full-time Program Director of Operations—and, as it happens, my youngest daughter. Candyce joined in September 2023, and her leadership has transformed our operations. She implemented essential tools, such as Google Sheets for streamlined coordination and Charity Tracker for tracking customer outcomes. With her management skills, organizational acumen, and deep commitment, Candyce has brought fresh energy to BCK, moving us closer to our goals.

After-School Program Success and New Community Partnerships

Our after-school program, launched in partnership with the Beaufort County School District and other local entities, began in 2022 to help reduce learning loss due to COVID-19. The program supports students in grades PK–9 with homework, computer-based learning, outdoor activities, and enrichment experiences. In response to funding gaps, I secured a $15,000 matching grant, which enabled BCK to purchase a 15-passenger van. This allows us to continue offering enriching field trips and provides safe transportation for our students.

A Vision for the Future

At BCK, we’re committed to providing vital services for underserved families in the Greater Bluffton area and beyond. Whether it’s delivering meals, providing pantry essentials, or creating educational opportunities. “If we can’t do it, we’ll find out who can.”

Thank you for supporting BCK. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient community.