Where to get aid in the Coastal Empire, Lowcountry as SNAP benefits run out

by Summer Swanson

If your organization is giving away food, email news@wtoc.com, and we’ll add it to this list.

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Starting November 1, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are not available in Georgia or South Carolina as the government shutdown continues.

SNAP provides monthly funds for families to buy groceries.

“In accordance with 7 CFR 271.7(b), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is suspending all November 2025 benefit allotments until such time as sufficient federal funding is provided, or until FNS directs state agencies otherwise. This suspension is effective November 1, 2025,” is the message on Georgia Department of Human Services website.

*It is important to note, that recipients can still use leftover funds at any SNAP authorized retailer, but no new money will be added to the EBT cards.

Click here to read more.

As this story develops, WTOC is reaching out to Georgians and those in the Lowcountry bracing for impact and organizations stepping in to help.

Here’s a list of where you can find free food in the Greater Savannah area:

Más Paz Counseling

Where: 216 East 41st Street, Savannah, GA 31401 (across from Picker Joe’s)
What: You can drop-off/pick-up food items on the porch at Más Paz.
FULL STORY: Savannah counseling center steps up with food drive amid SNAP benefit uncertainty

Savannah Feed the Hungry

What: Feed the Hungry kicks off emergency drive-through food giveaways in different locations around Chatham County
Where/When:
- Nov. 8 Groves High School 10:00 a.m.
- Nov. 15 Johnson High School 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., over 1,000 hot meals and groceries
- Nov. 16 David’s Crabhouse 11:00 a.m.
- Nov. 25 17th Annual Feed the Hungry Thanksgiving Holiday Dinner John S. Delaware Center 4:00 p.m. (sit down dinner)
- Dec. 15 17th Annual Feed the Hungry Christmas Holiday Dinner 4:00 p.m. Enmarket Arena (sit down dinner)

Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia

Click here to find food through Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia.
FULL: Second Harvest Food Bank steps up to help families impacted by potential SNAP funding cuts

Katrina’s Mexican Grill in Savannah

What: Owner of Katrina’s Mexican Grill in Savannah shares her story as a single mother, now helping others. Children aged 10 and under, that comes in can get a free kid’s meal. No questions asked.
Where: 2 Park of Commerce Blvd Suite C, Savannah, GA 31405

Here’s a map of Georgia’s regional food banks:

Here’s a list of where you can find free food in the Lowcountry:

Bluffton Self Help & HELP of Beaufort

What: First Responder Food Drive

Lowcountry food banks brace for impact of SNAP benefit pause

The Deep Well Project

What: Fresh, food, frozen and non-perishable food and personal care items to those in need on Hilton Head Island.
When: The Deep Well Pantry is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and on Thursday’s from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 80 Capital Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Cornerstone Church

What: Mobile food pantry

Agape Family Life Center

What: “Feed the Hungry” Drive-thru
When: Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

South Carolina’s Food Banks

- Lowcountry Food Bank (coastal South Carolina)
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (greater Charlotte area and upstate)
- Harvest Hope Food Bank (Midlands and upstate)
- Golden Harvest Food Bank (Aiken and surrounding counties)
Click here to find a food pantry near you through “Feeding the Carolinas”