TASTE OF BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

BAD BISCUIT Located at 19E Dunnagans Alley off Arrow Rd. The island’s newest breakfast spot features fresh handmade biscuits with a variety of toppings including sausage gravy and shrimp stew. Create a biscuit sandwich with egg, cheese, veggies, crab cakes and other offerings. Also serving homemade soups, salads, desserts, coffee and juices. For the adventurous appetite, try one of our delicious grit bowls. Open daily from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call (843) 785-2323 or check us out online at www.bad-biscuit.com.

BRITISH OPEN PUB Located in The Village at Wexford and Sheridan Park in Bluffton. Fabulous Brunch served in an authentic English style pub. Choose from Watson’s Steak & Eggs, Eggs Faldo (Benedict), Old Tom Morris Omelette, Pancakes, Bananas Foster French Toast and more. Serving bottomless Mimosa’s and made from scratch Bloody Mary’s. Brunch served Saturday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m and Sunday 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call Hilton Head (843) 686-6736 or Bluffton (843) 815-6736.

CAROLINA COFFEE & CRUMBS Located at 101 Pope Avenue in historic Coligny Plaza just steps away from Coligny Beach. Hilton Head’s newest locally owned coffee shop serves fresh baked pastries as well as your favorite breakfast items. Our hand selected organic single origin coffee is roasted to perfection for the perfect cup every time. Omelets, bagels and breakfast sandwiches are staples on the menu everyday as well as featured homemade daily specials. All day coffee and breakfast from 7 a.m. Call (843) 342-4800 or visit us online at www.carolinacoffeehhi.com.

THE CRAZY CRAB JARVIS CREEK Located on the north end of Hwy. 278 overlooking a panoramic view of Jarvis Creek. The “Islander’s place for fresh seafood for over 30 years,” The Crazy Crab restaurant has a fun, casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Equipped with a playground for kids adjacent to a scenic fire pit for a casual gathering in front of a beautiful water view. Fresh local seafood, voted Best Crab Legs on the island for many years. Visit Jarvis Creek’s location for the largest saltwater aquarium and Brunch on Sundays. Enjoy their large covered deck perfect for those warm weather nights, listening to live, local music. Open seven days a week, reservations are highly recommended. A member of the Coastal Restaurants and Bars family since 1984. Call (843) 681-5021 or visit thecrazycrab.com. @thecrazycrabjarviscreek. DELISHEEYO Located at 32 Palmetto Bay Rd. in The Village Exchange. The Island’s health food kitchen features organic juices, smoothees, salads, wraps, bowls and healthy snacks. Offering food that makes you feel good, choose from raw, vegan or gluten free options. Open Monday thru Saturday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call (843) 785-3633 or order online at www.delisheeyo.com.

ELA’S ON THE WATER Located at One Shelter Cove Lane. Featured in Bon Appetit and winner of numerous Open Table awards, Ela’s offers fresh catch seafood and prime cut steaks of the highest quality, all prepared by our culinary team of experts and complimented by an extensive boutique wine selection. Known for the best water views on the island, we have a casual intimate interior, wrap around dining patio exterior and nightly entertainment. Private parties, rehearsal dinners and special events welcome. Open for lunch Monday thru Friday, 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Sunday Brunch from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and dinner nightly from 5 p.m. Reservations recommended. Call (843) 785-3030 or online at www.elasgrille.com.

FISHCAMP ON BROAD CREEK Located at 11 Simmons Road, mid-island on Broad Creek. Fishcamp is Hilton Head’s favorite casual waterfront dining destination. Enjoy delicious dishes such as Parmesan-Crusted Grouper, Seared Maine Scallops, and fresh local oysters from their full raw bar. Set in a backyard, fish camp style ambiance complete with fire pit and stunning sunset views. Dine indoors, or enjoy the spacious, pet-friendly patio and bar (heated, covered

areas available), while soaking in the Lowcountry lifestyle. Lunch from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. with daily happy hour from 4-6 p.m. in the bar area only. Dinner service starting at 4 p.m., bar open late, and Sunday Brunch from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. A member of the Coastal Restaurants and Bars family since 2016. Call (843) 842-2267 or visit fishcamphhi.com @fishcamphhi. (Daytripping to the nearby Beaufort area? Visit Fishcamp on 11th Street in beautiful Port Royal, SC! Call (843) 379-2248 or visit fishcampon11th.com. @fishcampon11thstreet)

GRINGO’S DINER Located at 6 Lagoon Rd., near the beach in Coligny Plaza. This cozy and comfortable diner serves breakfast and lunch all day. The food and service makes for the perfect stop for visitors and locals alike. Enjoy contemporary American and Mexican food in a warm atmosphere with friendly service. We offer tremendous pancakes, breakfast burritos and tacos, omelettes, chimichangas, and more. Now serving tasty mimosas. Dine inside or outside. Take out is available. Open daily from 8 a.m. for breakfast and lunch. Call (843) 785-5400.

HAROLD’S DINER Located at 641 William Hilton Parkway at Singleton Beach. An island icon for decades, this diner serves up the best made to order food fast and with attitude. Breakfast favorites include Omelettes, Pancakes, French toast, and Steak and Eggs. For lunch choose from Burgers, Dogs, Pulled Pork, Philly Cheesesteaks and more. Open for breakfast Mon. thru Sat., 7:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. and lunch 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Call (843) 3847855 or online at haroldsdinerhiltonhead.com.

HEALTHY HABIT Located in Park Plaza just outside of Sea Pines Resort. Voted Hilton Head’s Best lunch, takeout, counter service and salads every year since 2017! This local favorite serves up award winning bowls, salads, wraps, smoothies, juices and more. Fast casual dining with a modern design offers inside and outside seating. Online ordering, catering and takeout are available. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Call (843) 686-5600 or visit us online at HealthyHabitHHI.com.

HUDSON’S SEAFOOD HOUSE ON THE DOCKS Located at 1 Hudson Rd. on the Intracoastal Waterway off Squire Pope Rd. Enjoy a wide variety of sweet and savory Lowcountry dishes complete with brunch cocktails and sweeping views of Port Royal Sound. Lots of seafood-focused menu items featuring extremely fresh and local products like Blue Crab Benedict, Cathead Biscuits and Gravy, Shrimp and Grits and many more. Serving Brunch every Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Call (843) 681-2772 or online at www.hudsonsonthedocks.com.

KENNY B’S CAJUN SEAFOOD HUT Located at Circle Center, just off Pope Avenue. Enjoy Creole cuisine with a Lowcountry influence. Our Cajun style dishes range from Eggs N’awlins, French Quarter French toast and Mississippi tall stack pancakes to creole omlettes, café au lait and of course beignets. For the regular folk, choose from eggs benedict, scrambled eggs, pancakes, grits, fruit, bacon, sausage and more. Open Wednesday thru Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Call (843) 785-3315.

LAND’S END Located in Sea Pines at South Beach Marina overlooking beautiful Braddock’s Cove, Land’s End Tavern is one of the few Hilton Head Island restaurants with a spectacular, waterfront view. Complete with a broad selection of breakfast favorites, plus Lowcountry staples like Crab Cake Benedict and Shrimp and Grits. Land’s End Tavern is a casual atmosphere with a pirate theme that the whole family will enjoy. Open daily from 8 a.m. Call (843) 671-5456 for seasonal hours.

LUCKY ROOSTER KITCHEN + BAR Located at 841 William Hilton Parkway in South Island Square. An American bistro with Southern soul serving refined comfort food to please all palates. Our menu changes and evolves with seasons, tides and our inspirations. Dine inside or enjoy the island breeze on our spacious outdoor patio. Open Tuesday thru Saturday from 4 until 10 p.m., and Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Enjoy Happy Hour 4 - 6 p.m. Reservations and more information at luckyroosterhhi.com or call (843) 715-3215.

OLD OYSTER FACTORY Located at 101 Marshland Rd. This iconic waterfront dining destination has stunning views of the Lowcountry off Broad Creek. Serving fresh local seafood since 1989, now adding Chef’s creations of Lowcountry cuisine to the menu. With the addition of the expansive raw bar and Brunch on Sundays, you will see why this is a local staple. The back deck with an outside patio bar offers intimate sunset views while dining on the water. From families, date-nights to large parties there is an amazing dining experience for everyone. Open for lunch at 11 a.m. through dinner daily and Brunch on Sundays. Established in 1989, a member of the Coastal Restaurants and Bars family since 2019. Call (843) 681-6040 or visit oldoysterfactory.com. @oldoysterfactory.

PALMETTO BAY SUNRISE CAFE Located in Palmetto Bay Marina off Helmsman Way. An Islander favorite for breakfast and brunch featuring eggs benedict, omelettes, french toast, pancakes, quiches, daily specials and more. Enjoy a bloody mary, mimosa, coffee or your favorite beverage while dining inside or on the patio.

“One of the Best Breakfasts on Hilton Head”, Southern Living magazine. Call (843) 686-3232 for seasonal hours or more information.

PLANTATION CAFÉ & DELI Located South Island at 81 Pope Avenue in Heritage Plaza, North Island at Port Royal Plaza and 20 Discovery Drive in Bluffton. An Island favorite since 1974. Offering fresh breakfast items such as omelettes, crab cake benedicts, skillet dishes, pancakes, waffles, French toast, biscuits & gravy and much more, all at moderate prices. Also a wide variety of sides and beverages to complete any meal. Open for breakfast, Monday thru Saturday from 6:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and Sunday 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. for breakfast and brunch. Call (843) 785-9020, (843) 342-4472 or (843) 815-5550.

REILLEY’S GRILL AND BAR Located in Reilley’s Plaza, just off Sea Pines Circle. This local favorite, family-owned and operated establishment has been serving up delicious steaks, seafood, pasta, and sandwiches on Hilton Head Island since 1982. With a sophisticated warm ambiance, family-friendly atmosphere, this Island institution is where you can enjoy nightly specials, mimosas at Sunday brunch or casual drinks, and a bar menu with friends over a game on one of the many TVs. Voted Island’s Best Sports bar! Lunch and dinner are served seven days a week. Their dining options include indoors, outdoor (heated, covered areas available), as well as online ordering and curbside pick-up. Happy hour from 4 until 7 p.m. Take-out, curbside, catering, or drop-off services are available. A member of the Coastal Restaurants and Bars family since 1982. Call (843) 842-4414 or visit reilleyshiltonhead.com @reilleyshhi.

SKILLETS CAFE Located just off the beach in Coligny Plaza. A breakfast favorite of both visitors and islanders alike since 1994. Try one of our famous layered dishes prepared in a porcelain skillet. Also offering steak and eggs, pancakes, french toast, omelettes, eggs benedict, Belgian waffles and too many others to mention. Gluten Free menu as well as vegan dishes available. A wide beverage variety including fresh coffees, juices, bloody marys, and more. Dine inside or on the patio (Dog Friendly). Open daily from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Call (843) 785-3131 or check us out online at www.skilletscafe.com.

SUNSET GRILLE Located on the Intracoastal Waterway at Hilton Head Harbor, 43 Jenkins Rd. The Grille offers a casual fine dining experience with breathtaking sunset views. One of the best brunches on Hilton Head. Offering Linda’s deep dish-quiche, fried chicken & biscuits with bacon gravy, filet mignon over bleu cheese grits, crab cake benedict and many more island favorites. Voted one of the best bloody mary’s in the Southeast by Garden & Gun Magazine. An amazing brunch with an amazing view. Call (843) 689-6744 for reservations. Sunday Brunch is 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Online at www.sunsetgrillehhi.com.

The Fight Against Hunger

BY ALLYSON JONES • PHOTO COURTESY SANDALWOOD COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY

“There is a misconception that people who struggle with hunger are unemployed. In fact, over 50% of households served by the Feeding America network of food banks are employed,” according to the Lowcountry Food Bank. “Even with a job, many people struggle to get by due to challenges like underemployment, low wages and the rising cost of living.”

The USDA defines food security as “access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life.” The pandemic greatly increased food insecurity throughout South Carolina and across the nation. The local hospitality industry was especially hard hit.

“In 2020, in the coastal counties of South Carolina that Lowcountry Food Banks serves, 12.6% of adults (185,580 people) are food insecure, which is 29% higher than in 2019. 18.2% of children (55,260 children) are food insecure, a 38% increase over 2019.”

Highlighted are just three of the hundreds of food banks, food rescue organizations and food pantries who work together to fight hunger throughout the year. All appreciate monetary and food donations, as well volunteers donating their time and talents to help feed neighbors in need.

Lowcountry Food Bank

Founded in 1983, Lowcountry Food Bank is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization fighting hunger by serving more than 200,000 food-insecure individuals in the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina – Horry, Williamsburg, Georgetown, Dorchester, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Hampton, Jasper and Beaufort – through three distribution centers located in Charleston, Yemassee and Myrtle Beach.

One of the most successful food banks in the country, the organization collects, purchases, rescues and sorts donated food at its distribution centers to feed food-insecure individuals through nearly 300 community partner agencies, such as churches, on-site feeding programs at schools, senior programs, veteran’s groups and shelters, as well as stocking food pantries.

Partners are provided with fresh fruits and vegetables, shelf-stable food, equipment, nutrition materials and food safety training. Lowcountry Food Bank also directly distributes food at mobile events in communities throughout coastal South Carolina to reach those who may not have access to a food pantry.

Over the years, the organization has grown to include more than 75 employees and 5,000 volunteers, including dozens of drivers in a fleet of refrigerated box trucks and trailers, tractors and cargo vans who pick up food from nearly 70 retail partners several times a week and from

farmers during harvest season. Partner agencies then pick up the collected food at the distribution centers or it is delivered directly to them.

To ensure program efficiency and the integrity of the food supply, Lowcountry Food Bank purchases items pre-approved or recommended by the USDA and/or MUSC health dietitians in large quantities well in advance. The best way to support their mission of fighting hunger is through financial donations or by hosting a virtual fundraiser which allows them to purchase fresh produce, meat and dairy items by the truckload at a reduced rate.

To learn more about volunteer and fundraising opportunities at Lowcountry Food Bank or to locate free food assistance, please visit lowcountryfoodbank.org.

Second Helpings

“Many people in our local communities have to make a choice each day: skip a meal to purchase medicine or eat less to pay a bill. Despite working one or more jobs, they still can’t make ends meet.”

One in seven residents – and one in five children – are unable to afford all the food they need, according to the Second Helpings website, and there is a high correlation between food insecurity and increased medical problems, including diabetes.

Many regions in the Lowcountry are considered “food deserts,” where access to affordable, healthy food is limited or nonexistent because grocery stores are too far away. Without a car or access to public transportation, it is difficult to sustain a healthy diet. Meanwhile, an estimated 40% of food in this country is wasted with nearly all of it ending up in landfills.

This is where Second Helpings steps in: rescuing food and preventing food waste in our community.

Founded in 1991 by Guenther Hecht and his wife who witnessed food being thrown out at local grocery stores and started rescuing it, Second Helpings now operates a fleet of refrigerator trucks that rescues nearly three million pounds of perishable food annually directly from food donors and local farms and then delivers it directly to agency partners.

It is the only volunteer-driven organization in Beaufort, Hampton and Jasper Counties authorized to rescue food and partners with the Lowcountry Food Bank to ensure that all food received from them reaches the hungry in our communities.

“We currently have 281 truck crew volunteers, and another 12 volunteers in program supporting roles,” explains Office Administrator Bruce Algar. “Our fleet consists of nine refrigerated box trucks making daily runs in our three-county area. We serve 38 active organizations in Beaufort County, four in Hampton and 11 in Jasper. Combined, these agencies give out the food we deliver to them to over 8,000 people every week, many taking food home to their families.”

This nonprofit food rescue organization is unique in that it serves other nonprofit food pantries, soup kitchens, agencies and churches. Payment for food is not solicited or accepted from recipient agencies and Second Helpings does not receive any government funding, instead relying solely on the generosity of the public – foundations, churches, civic groups, and individuals – for financial support.

According to its 2019 Report, for every $100 in private donations received, Second Helpings provides more than $1,250 worth of food to local agency partners while preventing 750 pounds of food waste from reaching our landfills. At least 80% of cash donated goes directly towards the food rescue operation.

During the pandemic, Second Helpings was able to maintain its food pick-up and delivery routes without any significant disruption.

“We accomplished this in several ways, but the key to our success was the willingness of many of our volunteers to continue with their scheduled routes, plus taking on additional routes for those more vulnerable volunteers who felt it prudent to stand down temporarily,” notes Algar. “We received many cash donations and grants designated for purchasing food to compensate for reduced food donations.”

Want to help put an end to hunger? Second Helpings is always looking for volunteers, community partnerships and food or cash donations. For more information, contact the office on Hilton Head Island at (843) 689-3689 or visit secondhelpingslc.org.

Sandalwood Food Pantry

“Hunger hurts and hunger pains deny dignity, deplete one of all energy and potential and, most sadly, it erodes the family, the community and its stability, impairing the potential of people to achieve independence,” according to Sandalwood Community Food Pantry (SCFP) founder and managing director Rev. Dr. Nannette Pierson.

With a mission “to nourish the bodies, minds and spirits of all who hunger,” this non-denominational, non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization was established in 2009 when Pierson decided to address the needs of children at Sandalwood Terrace on Hilton Head Island and provide “hope to many who stopped believing hope was possible.”

Now SCFP helps over 700 local families make ends meet by distributing healthy whole foods and basic needs, educating families with classes on nutrition and food preparation and taking monthly blood pressure readings, in addition to providing love, dignity and spiritual guidance from their pantry located at Queen Chapel A.M.E. Church on Beach City Road.

Groceries (produce, meat, bread, canned goods) and supplies (toiletries, school supplies and clothes on an as needed basis) are provided to qualifying individuals and families on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Food is received though multiple sources including Second Helpings, USDA government programs, individual and church donations. SCFP is also one of nearly 300 agencies who partner with the Lowcountry Food Bank to purchase food when donations run low. Grants and financial donations from individuals are utilized for operational costs including lease, equipment, and administrative expenses.

The organization is currently looking to build Hilton Head Island’s first Amphibious Resilient Pantry to provide a secure structure for when the next hurricane hits so neighbors in need are safe by choice and not by chance.

Sandalwood Community Food Pantry is always in need of assistance and there are three ways you can help.

The first is through generous one-time or monthly monetary donations. The second is through donations of nonperishable food items, such as canned or dry goods. Thirdly, volunteers are always needed to lend a helping hand with food distribution, building, fundraising and more. To learn more, call (843) 715-3583 or visit sandalwoodfoodbank.com.