What is SNAP? What to know about food assistance in South Carolina

11/13/2025 EDITOR’S NOTE: The federal government has since reopened and SNAP benefits have been reissued in South Carolina. This article will be edited to remove references to the government shutdown, but will remain intact as a guide to explain what SNAP is.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Here’s what to know about SNAP and other food assistance programs in South Carolina:

WHAT IS SNAP?

SNAP, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, gives low-income households additional resources to be able to purchase more food from grocery stores and other participating programs.

Those who may be eligible for SNAP benefits include people who are homeless, low-income elderly and disabled people, those already on other welfare and/or assistance programs or who are working part-time with lower wages.

WHAT IS TANF?

TANF, otherwise known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, is given to caregivers who are caring for children other than their own, such as nieces or nephews, grandchildren or siblings, to help them provide basic needs for the minor(s) in their care.

TANF is not completely funded by the federal government.

More information about TANF can be found here.

WHAT IS WIC?

WIC provides additional support for women, infants and children who are struggling to access food and healthcare, among other things.

The program is almost completely funded by the federal government.

WHERE ARE LOCAL FOOD BANKS IN MY AREA?

There are four main food banks in South Carolina.

• Harvest Hope Food Bank: Found in Calhoun, Chester, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Fairfield, Florence, Greenville, Kershaw, Laurens, Lee, Lexington, Marion, Marlboro, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda and Sumter counties.
• Golden Harvest Food Bank: Found in Allendale, Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, Edgefield and McCormick counties.
• Lowcountry Food Bank: Found in Beaufort, Berkley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper and Williamsburg counties.
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina: Found in Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenwood, Lancaster, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg, Union and York counties.

For a map of all food banks in the state, click here.

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER RESOURCES IN MY AREA?

Feeding the Carolinas offers a list of food banks and pantries near you, which can be found here.

Find Help SC offers an interactive map showing emergency food pantries, food banks and meal services within your zip code. Users can also see other emergency service providers for shelter, clothing and healthcare, among other things. Find Help SC can be accessed here.

The City of Columbia offers an online, interactive map that shows where you can find grocery stores, food distribution locations, special resources for seniors and mobile markets. The map can be found by clicking here.

Eat Fresh Freely is a community fridge piloted by the Richland County Library and is refilled weekly at select locations

• Eastover branch: Restocked Thursdays
• St. Andrews branch: Restocked Fridays
• North Main branch: Restocked Fridays
• Northeast branch: Restocked Fridays

The produce is provided by Toms Creek Family Farms. More information about the library’s program can be found here.

WHAT ARE SOME NUMBERS I CAN CALL FOR HELP OR MORE INFORMATION?

Call 211, which is sponsored by United Way, can help you find emergency food resources, including meals, in your area. You can also click here to go to United Way’s website, which has a list of resources for various basic needs.

The National Hunger Hotline, a service provided by USDA, allows callers to find food assistance programs and emergency meal providers in their area. Those in need of the hotline can call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE for Spanish speakers. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

WHAT IS THE ONE SC FUND?

The One SC Fund, sponsored by the Central Carolina Community Foundation, is a central fund for South Carolinians to donate to so that the foundation can provide grants for food banks around the state to help feed hungry residents.

The fund was activated by Gov. Henry McMaster in response to the potential loss of SNAP benefits.

Those wishing to donate to the fund or find out more information about it can click here.

HOW CAN I HELP?

One of the biggest ways to help is to donate either goods or money to your local food bank. Information about the best goods to donate can be found below, and steps on sending money to a food bank in your area can be found on its website.

The other major way to provide aid is to volunteer at a food bank near you. Many of the major food banks have online volunteer applications that you can fill out.

WHAT ARE SOME GOOD ITEMS TO DONATE TO FOOD BANKS?

Food banks primarily accept non-perishable food such as peanut butter, canned fruit and vegetables, canned stew and soups, pasta and pasta sauces, canned fish and rice.

Some food banks also accept personal hygiene items like shampoo, body wash, hairbrushes, tampons or pads, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Contact your local food bank to see if there are any specific items they need.

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