USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
Which foods are shelf stable, and which cans to skip.
Official page: govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-A110-PURL-gpo38739/pdf/GOVPUB-A110-PURL-gpo38739.pdf
How to Make Blessing Bags in South Carolina: Safe Food, Water and Heat Tips
A simple guide to packing blessing bags for neighbors without a home in South Carolina, with USDA shelf stable food tips, CDC heat and cold safety, and a SC 211 card.
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Hi friend. A small bag with water, snacks and a few basics can mean a lot to someone on the street. South Carolina summers are hot and humid, so pack smart and keep it simple.
Quick answers
What food is safe to put in a bag?
Pick shelf stable foods, which are safe at room temperature, like jerky, canned and bottled foods, rice and pasta. Some canned foods, such as some canned ham and seafood, are labeled Keep Refrigerated, so leave those out. Do not use bulging, rusted, leaking or deeply dented cans.
Official page: govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-A110-PURL-gpo38739/pdf/GOVPUB-A110-PURL-gpo38739.pdf
Can I leave the bags in my hot car?
It is better not to. USDA says temperatures below 85 degrees are best for shelf stable food, and over 100 degrees can harm canned goods. A parked car in a South Carolina summer can get hotter than that, so keep bags indoors and take them with you when you go out.
Official page: govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-A110-PURL-gpo38739/pdf/GOVPUB-A110-PURL-gpo38739.pdf
What should I add for hot weather?
Water matters most. CDC says to drink more water than usual and not wait until you are thirsty. Add a note about air conditioned places like public libraries and that cool showers help. Muscle cramps, headache, nausea or vomiting are signs to get medical care.
Official page: cdc.gov/heat-health/risk-factors/heat-and-low-income.html
What should I add for cold nights?
CDC suggests a hat, scarf, gloves or mittens, and dry, water resistant layers. Wet clothes can chill you even above 40 degrees. Shivering, confusion, fumbling hands, slurred speech or drowsiness are warning signs of hypothermia, which is a medical emergency.
Official page: cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/index.html
What info card should I include?
Write a small card that says: SC 211, dial 211 or call 866 892 9211, or text your zip code to 211211. Add 988 for crisis support. In Columbia, add Transitions at 2025 Main Street, 803 708 4861. In Charleston, add the Homeless Connection Line, 843 737 8357.
Official page: sc211.org
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Bunkly tip: in summer, pick soft foods and pouches over chocolate or anything that melts. When it is hot and humid, add an extra bottle of water.
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.
CDC, Heat and Health
Tips on water, cooling places and warning signs of heat illness.
Official page: cdc.gov/heat-health/risk-factors/heat-and-low-income.html
CDC, Winter Weather
How to prevent hypothermia, and the warning signs to watch for.
Official page: cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/index.html
SC 211
Free help with health and social services. Call, or text your zip code to 211211.
Official page: sc211.org
Transitions Homeless Center
Ask about donations or volunteering at 2025 Main Street.
Official page: transitionssc.org/get-help
One80 Place
Ways to give, including donating items, are listed on its site.
Official page: one80place.org/get-help
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 Food Help in South Carolina: SNAP, WIC and Food BanksNo 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 Court
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.