Charleston County, South Carolina — As the near-record-long government shutdown continues, many Lowcountry residents are struggling to buy groceries without Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Although the Trump administration has reactivated benefits, beneficiaries will get only about half of their usual monthly payment, and many will likely not see the payments for days or weeks.
“Many people may not consider this a crisis or an emergency. But there is clearly a catastrophe,” said Isaac Holt, pastor of Royal Missionary Baptist Church.
Local groups, nonprofits, and churches are banding together to feed individuals unsure when they will receive their November SNAP benefits. One church is contributing $8,000 to local non-profits to help fulfill the demand.
“This is what the church was meant to do: to help those in need and to really be the hands and feet,” Holt told the congregation. “Just seeing the gospel at work—that those who are hungry are fed, those who are thirsty are given something to drink, and strangers are welcomed. At the end of the day, we are all family.”
On Wednesday, the Community Resource Center in North Charleston had enough food for around 3,500 individuals. Director Louis Smith stated that while his resources are stretched to the maximum, he will continue to serve the community.
“Last week, we had 700 to 800 cars,” Smith added. “This week, it appears that we will have approximately 1,500 cars out here today. And that has an influence on the community; it is a direct result of our government’s actions.”
The Coastal Community Foundation said Wednesday that it will donate more than $100,000 to the Lowcountry Food Bank to combat rising food poverty during the prolonged government shutdown.
The foundation has raised over $300,000 for its relief fund through collaborations with Trident United Way and Palmetto Goodwill, and it hopes to raise $500,000 more.
Nick Osborne, president and CEO of the Lowcountry Food Bank, expressed gratitude for the additional help.
“Even with all our collective effort, food banks cannot close the gap left by federal program cuts,” Mr. Osborne said. “It’s worth noting that for every meal provided by a food bank, SNAP offers up to nine. As the need grows, we will continue to show up and serve the communities we have supported for the past 42 years. That is made possible by the partnerships we have built. We cannot, and will not, accomplish this work alone.”
Osborne stated that the food bank has witnessed a considerable rise in demand since SNAP benefits were discontinued. The Charleston facility has seen a threefold increase in daily walk-ins, and its “Find a Pantry” website received over 22,000 visitors in October.
Despite the hurdles, local officials say the community continues to band together to assist neighbors in need.
“This is a true community effort because our neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers genuinely require our assistance,” said Darrin Goss Sr., president and CEO of the Coastal Community Foundation. “We don’t know how much longer this shutdown will last, but we do know that the partners here today are doing all we can to help.”
