Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

COLUMBUS—Following Hurricane Helene’s devastation, the Food Lion grocery store in Columbus emerged as a beacon of hope for a community grappling with the disaster’s aftermath. Open for customers in the immediate hours after the storm with available food, water, and essential supplies, the dedicated team at Food Lion became crucial in aiding residents reeling from the storm’s impacts.

Store manager Michael Osborne expressed immense pride in his team, highlighting their determination and passion for serving the community. Thanks to its generator, Food Lion was one of the few stores in a 50-mile radius with power, and its Wi-Fi allowed it to take cash and cards.

“This store has one of the best teams I’ve ever worked with. The level of commitment shown during this crisis has been remarkable,” he shared. “The staff provided vital resources and fostered a sense of belonging among customers, demonstrating a deep connection to the community.”

Despite facing challenges, the Food Lion team kicked into high gear immediately after the storm. 

“We became the hub. If not for Food Lion, many people might have gone without essential supplies during the storm,” Osborne added.

Throughout a challenging week, the store received numerous compliments from grateful customers who appreciated the consistent support and compassion shown by the staff. The manager noted that some associates worked above and beyond, clocking in over 83 hours to ensure the store operated effectively. “Thank you for being here for us” was a sentiment echoed by many, reflecting the gratitude shared by the community members who relied heavily on Food Lion during Helene’s aftermath.

The store also organized donation drives. They sent three pallets of water to Saluda and distributed free cases of water and MREs provided by the National Guard to customers. The community rallied together, demonstrating remarkable resilience. 

Assistant Manager Brittany Seay complimented the customer base. 

“Everyone was so patient and calm,” she said. “We even had customers helping to hand out water and MREs, and several helped transport the pallets of water to Saluda.”

“We were the only ones open. People came in needing gas and supplies, and it was heartening to see the community come together,” Osborne added.

The collective efforts of the store’s team, combined with the community’s appreciation, underscore the vital role that local establishments play in times of crisis.