Food Assistance Resources in South Carolina

Last updated September 6, 2026

If you or someone you support is struggling to afford groceries in South Carolina, you are not alone — and real help is available. The South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) administers several federally funded nutrition programs, and a network of food banks, pantries, and community organizations fills gaps for people who may not qualify for government benefits or who need help right away.

The fastest way to find food resources near you is to call or text 2-1-1, a free, confidential helpline run by United Way of South Carolina. Available 24/7, 2-1-1 connects you to local food pantries, hot meal programs, and emergency boxes, and operators can help you apply for or understand benefits. You can also search online at sc.211.org.

When reaching out for help, it is useful to have basic information on hand — such as household size, monthly income, and proof of residence — because most programs use these details to determine eligibility. If you are helping a client navigate multiple needs at once, food programs can often be a doorway to connecting with other benefits like Medicaid, utility assistance, or housing support.

Key programs in South Carolina

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – SC DSS

Provides monthly electronic benefits (loaded onto an EBT card) that can be used to buy food at grocery stores and many farmers markets across South Carolina.

How to access: Apply online at apply.dss.sc.gov, in person at your local SC Department of Social Services county office, or by calling SC DSS at 1-800-616-1309. Eligibility is based on household size and income.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) – SC DHEC

Provides nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, and nutrition education to income-eligible pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5.

How to access: Contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) WIC program at 1-800-868-0404, or find your nearest WIC clinic at scdhec.gov/wic. Walk-ins are often welcome at local WIC offices.

Feeding South Carolina Member Food Banks

Feeding South Carolina is the state's food bank network, supplying food to hundreds of local pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters statewide. Member food banks serve all 46 counties and can provide emergency food boxes as well as ongoing pantry access.

How to access: Call 2-1-1 or visit feedingsc.org to find the food bank or partner pantry closest to you. No referral is typically required to visit a food pantry, though hours and documentation requirements vary by location.

Child Nutrition Programs – SC Dept. of Education

Includes the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, providing free or reduced-price meals to eligible students at participating South Carolina schools. During summer months, the Summer Food Service Program offers free meals to children at community sites.

How to access: Families apply for free and reduced-price meals through their child's school at enrollment. For summer meal site locations, call 2-1-1 or text FOOD to 914-342-7744 (USDA hotline) during summer months.

Senior Nutrition Programs – Area Agencies on Aging

Older adults in South Carolina may be eligible for home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) or congregate dining programs through their regional Area Agency on Aging, helping address food insecurity and isolation among seniors.

How to access: Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (a free, nationwide service) to be connected to your local Area Agency on Aging in South Carolina. You can also call 2-1-1 for a local referral.

Food Assistance resources for South Carolina

211 (United Way)

Nationwide

Free, confidential referral line for food, and other essential local services. Dial 211.

211
Visit

Feeding America

Nationwide

Nationwide network of food banks connecting people to local pantries and meal programs.

1-800-771-2303
Visit

SNAP (USDA Food & Nutrition Service)

Nationwide

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — monthly benefits to buy food for eligible low-income individuals and families.

Visit
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