South Carolina DSS benefits portal
Apply for SNAP online or through your county DSS office. Phone help for SNAP and TANF.
Official page: dss.sc.gov/assistance-programs/snap
No cost Food Help in South Carolina: SNAP, WIC and Food Banks
How to find food today in South Carolina, apply for SNAP through DSS, sign up for WIC, get free summer meals for kids, and reach Harvest Hope Food Bank or Lowcountry Food Bank.
Need help tonight?
Start here
Hi friend. If money for food is tight, there is real help in South Carolina. Call a food bank or 211 for food today, then line up SNAP and WIC so next month is easier.
Quick answers
How do I apply for SNAP in South Carolina?
Apply online through the DSS benefits portal, or through a county DSS office, where a caseworker will interview you. Most people get their first benefits within 30 days. If your household qualifies for expedited help, benefits come within 7 days. Call DSS at 800 616 1309 with questions.
Official page: dss.sc.gov/assistance-programs/snap
Who can get WIC?
WIC serves pregnant women, new moms and breastfeeding moms, and children under 5. Dads, grandparents and other caregivers can sign up kids under 5. If you are on Medicaid, TANF or SNAP, you qualify automatically. Call 855 472 3432 to make an appointment, or start the online pre application.
Official page: dph.sc.gov/wic
How do I get food today from Harvest Hope?
Harvest Hope has emergency food pantries in Columbia at 2220 Shop Road and in Greenville at 2818 White Horse Road. You do not need an appointment. Bring a photo ID and the birthdays of everyone in your household. Hours are usually 9 am to 1 pm on weekdays, and they close the last business day of each month. Call Columbia at 803 254 4432 or Greenville at 864 281 3995.
Official page: harvesthope.org/locations
What if I live near the coast or in the Pee Dee?
Harvest Hope's Pee Dee office at 2701 Alex Lee Boulevard in Florence does not have an emergency pantry right now, but you can call 843 661 0826 or use their pantry search to find one of their 330 partner pantries. Near the coast, Lowcountry Food Bank has a pantry finder and a food distribution calendar on its website.
Official page: harvesthope.org/locations
Where can kids eat for free in summer?
Free summer meals are for children 18 and younger. Text Summer or VERANO to 914 342 7744 to find a site, or use the USDA Summer Meals map on the South Carolina Department of Education page. You can also dial 211.
Official page: ed.sc.gov/districts-schools/nutrition/special-programs/usda-summer-meal-programs
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Bunkly tip: Harvest Hope says you may get government commodity food only at a pantry in the county where you live. If you live somewhere else, you will receive donated food only, so pick the pantry in your home county when you can.
Who to call in South Carolina
Here are official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
South Carolina WIC, Department of Public Health
Healthy food and nutrition help for pregnant women, new moms and children under 5. Call to make an appointment.
Official page: dph.sc.gov/wic
Harvest Hope Food Bank, Columbia
Emergency food pantry at 2220 Shop Road. Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 1 pm, and Friday, 9 am to 12 pm.
Official page: harvesthope.org/locations
Harvest Hope Food Bank, Greenville
Emergency food pantry at 2818 White Horse Road. Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 1 pm.
Official page: harvesthope.org/locations
Harvest Hope Food Bank, Florence
Call to find a partner pantry near you. This office does not have an emergency pantry right now.
Official page: harvesthope.org/locations
Lowcountry Food Bank
Pantry finder and food distribution calendar for the 10 coastal counties.
Official page: lowcountryfoodbank.org
SC Department of Education, Summer Meals
Free summer meals for children 18 and younger. Text Summer or VERANO to 914 342 7744.
Official page: ed.sc.gov/districts-schools/nutrition/special-programs/usda-summer-meal-programs
More help in South Carolina
Housing help in South Carolina (rent, eviction, utilities)Find Help in South Carolina: Where to Start with 211, SNAP, Medicaid and IDEmergency Shelter Tonight in South Carolina: Columbia, Charleston, Greenville and How to Get HelpNo cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in South CarolinaFree Job Help and Job Training in South Carolina: SC Works, Job Corps and MoreFree and Low Cost Health and Mental Health Care in South CarolinaDomestic Violence Help, Safety and Housing in South CarolinaHelp for Veterans in South Carolina: Housing, Crisis Support and BenefitsHelp for Youth and Young Adults in South Carolina: Safe Places, Support and TrainingGetting ID and Documents Back in South Carolina: State ID and Birth CertificateFree and Low Cost Phone and Internet Help in South CarolinaFree Legal and Tenant Help in South Carolina: Evictions, Benefits and CourtHow to Make Blessing Bags in South Carolina: Safe Food, Water and Heat Tips
Sources last checked Oct 28, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.