SC SNAP benefits to end soon. Here are ways folks in need can get food in the state

The Midlands has dozens of food pantries that are available to families whose food benefits are likely to be paused this week due to the federal government shutdown.

In all, some 581,600 people receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits every month, which is 11% of the state’s population.

Gov. Henry McMaster said the state will not step in to provide direct relief.

President Donald Trump has said any state that does will not be reimbursed.

Instead, McMaster encouraged people to donate to food banks.

“This is not a time to make a regular donation,” McMaster said during a press conference Tuesday. “This is not a time for regular help. This is time for something extraordinary.”

He activated the Central Carolina Community Foundation’s One SC Fund to help coordinate donations across the state.

Typically, the fund is used during natural disasters and was activated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tony Catone, the director of the state Department of Social Services, said South Carolina families received $103.8 million in SNAP benefits in September.

Harvest Hope CEO Erinn Rowe said such an amount has never been seen before in disaster fundraising.

“We will buy it as fast as we possibly can with the money that’s given to us,” she said.

Many of the food pantries in South Carolina are operated by churches, including Christian Life Church, Christ Central Ministries - Columbia Mission Station, GraceChurch of Columbia, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and St. Joseph Catholic Church.

SC food pantries

Other food pantries include:

The Salvation Army - Midland food pantry — 3024 Farrow Rd, Columbia

Serves Richland, Lexington, Fairfield, Kershaw, Calhoun, Orangeburg, Bamberg, and Newberry counties

Harvest Hope Food Bank — 2220 Shop Road, The food package varies depending on donations but usually includes non-perishable and perishable items such as fruit, vegetables, bread, meat, and dried goods.

Mission Lexington — 216 Harmon Street Lexington Mission Lexington food pantry serves families that are going through a financial crisis which prevents them from acquiring food. This program provides: - Food to meet basic nutritional needs

Emergency Food Pantry Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center provides quality food items to households experiencing food insecurity.

Keepin’ It Real Ministries — 1037 Elmwood Avenue, Columbia

Food Pantry for families and senior citizens provides canned goods, meat, and non-perishable items for those with housing.

What to donate to SC food pantries

Here’s what to donate:

• Peanut butter and jelly 
• Cereal 
• Whole grain bread 
• Canned items such as fruit, soup and vegetables 
• Whole grain pasta 
• Brown rice 
• Canned tuna or salmon 

Some food banks will also accept personal care and household items.

Do not donate

• Anything perishable
• Expired, damaged or open food 
• Leftovers or homemade food
• Fresh produce, dairy or meats