Food benefits you can apply for, the food banks serving each county, and places to get a meal or groceries near you.
Apply online through the SC DSS Benefits Portal, or fill out the paper application (Form 3800, English or Spanish) and take, mail, or fax it to your county DSS office. Older adults and people who get SSI may be able to use simpler application options (ESAP and SCCAP).
Last checked Oct 18, 2026 · Source
Call to make an appointment at your local WIC clinic, or use the online pre-application to see if you can apply. If you already get Medicaid, TANF, or SNAP, you automatically meet the income rule for WIC.
Last checked Oct 18, 2026 · Source
Kids and teens 18 and under can get free meals at open summer meal sites; no application is needed at open sites. Find a site by calling 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-877-8-HAMBRE in Spanish) or texting "Summer" (or "VERANO") to 914-342-7744.
Last checked Oct 18, 2026 · Source
Ask your child's school or district for a free and reduced-price meal application, or check whether the school serves free meals to all students under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Families on SNAP or TANF are usually approved automatically.
Last checked Oct 18, 2026 · Source
Adults 60+ can get meals at senior centers or delivered at home through local providers. Call SCDOA or search GetCareSC.com to find the provider for your county.
Last checked Oct 18, 2026 · Source
SCDA works with the state's food banks to hand out TEFAP food and CSFP boxes through local pantries. Contact the food bank for your county (see food_bank_network) or a nearby pantry; you sign up at the pantry, not with SCDA.
Last checked Oct 18, 2026 · Source
Apply at the Community Action Agency for your county. Bring ID, proof of SC residency, 30-day income for all adults in the home, and the energy bill you need help with. Help depends on available funding.
Last checked Oct 18, 2026 · Source
SC Housing runs Housing Choice Vouchers only in Clarendon, Colleton, Dorchester, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee and Lexington counties; elsewhere, contact your local public housing agency. Search affordable rentals on SCHousingSearch, and call 211 for rent or utility help.
Last checked Oct 18, 2026 · Source
Dial 2-1-1 or search sc211.org to find local food, rent, utility, and other help.
Last checked Oct 18, 2026 · Source
Food banks supply the pantries and meal programs in their area. Their websites list partner pantries by county.
South Carolina law protects people and businesses that donate "distressed" food (including prepared and perishable food) in good faith to a charity, nonprofit, or food bank for free distribution: they are not subject to civil damages or criminal penalties from the condition of the food, unless an injury is caused by gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. The charity or food bank that receives and hands out the food in good faith has similar protection. Federal law (the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act) also applies. This is general information, not legal advice.
The federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act also protects donors who give in good faith. This is general information, not legal advice.
Start with SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Each program above has plain steps and a link to the official application. If you'd like help applying, call or text 211.
Pick your county above for food pantries, free meals, community fridges and senior meals, with hours and phone numbers.
It depends on the pantry. Many ask for nothing at all; some ask for an ID or proof of address. Each listing shows who can come, and calling ahead is always fine.
South Carolina law protects people and businesses that donate "distressed" food (including prepared and perishable food) in good faith to a charity, nonprofit, or food bank for free distribution: they are not subject to civil damages or criminal penalties from the condition of the food, unless an injury is caused by gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. The charity or food bank that receives and hands out the food in good faith has similar protection. Federal law (the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act) also applies. This is general information, not legal advice.