Founded in 2017 to honor fallen police officer Greg Alia, Greg’s Groceries has provided thousands of boxes of non-perishable food to individuals and families in need. The overall goal of Greg’s Groceries is to provide a resource to police that may not otherwise be available. Greg’s Groceries boxes are intended to create opportunities for positive, non-enforcement interactions between police officers and community members while fostering an environment that enhances trust. When we strengthen community policing, we also enhance community empowerment. A box of Greg’s Groceries helps in this mission.
We are proud to work with law enforcement across South Carolina.
A special thank you to the following partners:
Over 25,000 boxes packed since 2017. That is equal to over 2 Million Meals!
Nearly 1/2 youth, 1/2 adults
Over 25% unsheltered/experiencing homelessness
Over 50% of boxes delivered result in recipient being connected to additional resources
The goal of these packing events is to create a meaningful interaction between community members, volunteers, and law enforcement while working together in a fun and impactful way.
Greg’s Groceries would not be possible without our supporters. We want to extend our particular heartfelt thanks to Walmart, a longtime supporter and partner with Greg’s Groceries, for helping us to further the reach and impact of Greg’s Groceries within our South Carolina and North Carolina communities.
We welcome police agencies as valued partners. As a partner, we ask that you:
In return, you receive:
A mother was crying in her car and I could overhear the conversation on how she couldn’t pay a portion of her bills and get food for her kid. When I asked her if she would like assistance she was hesitant but then very grateful when I explained Greg’s groceries. She stated this should be enough food to hold her family over until next week when she gets paid.
— Agent Latoya Bennefield
South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon
Community Service Coordinator Terry Reed with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office saw an older woman stopping to talk to people at a laundromat asking for money. She told Reed that she lived in a hotel and that she was looking for something to eat. Reed told her that he could assist by giving her a box of Greg’s Groceries, she was very emotional and grateful for the box, saying that Reed was ‘heaven sent’. Reed says he is working to find her more assistance services in the meantime.
— Terry Reed
Charleston County Sheriff’s Office