“We can and we will…” Governor Henry McMaster held a press conference on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, to address the potential halt in SNAP assistance delivery because by the continuing federal government shutdown.
The USDA has decided that SNAP payments, formerly known as food stamps, will be discontinued countrywide on Saturday, November 1st.
During his Columbia press conference, Governor McMaster announced the activation of the Central Carolina Community Foundation’s One SC Fund and instructed the South Carolina State Guard (SCSG) to help food banks around the state in reaction to the USDA decision.
“While South Carolina cannot fully replace federal SNAP benefits, we can and we will step up to help our neighbors,” Governor McMaster told reporters.
Click here to view the press conference.
The One SC Fund is South Carolina’s organized philanthropy response to disasters. The fund, established in 2015 by then-Governor Nikki Haley, has been utilized to support recovery efforts following Hurricanes Matthew, Florence, and Helene, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Governor’s Office issued the following press release:
Columbia, South Carolina – Governor Henry McMaster today activated the Central Carolina Community Foundation’s One SC Fund and directed the South Carolina State Guard (SCSG) to assist food banks across the state in response to the USDA’s announcement that federal funding for SNAP benefits (food stamps) will be halted beginning November 1, 2025, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
“While South Carolina cannot completely replace federal SNAP benefits, we can and will step up to assist our neighbors,” stated Governor Henry McMaster. “By activating the One SC Fund and enlisting the State Guard, we are assisting South Carolina families in need. In times like these, South Carolinians are eager to assist, and I encourage individuals who wish to donate to the One SC Fund or volunteer at their local food bank.”
The activation of the One SC Fund will enable a coordinated charitable giving campaign aimed at delivering direct monetary assistance to regional food banks and local feeding partners throughout the state.
“The suspension of SNAP benefits will hit our children, seniors, and people with disabilities the hardest,” said Georgia Mjartan, President and CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation. “We are asking every corporation, foundation, and individual to step up now—so food banks can respond before the gap becomes a catastrophe.”
The SCSG, an all-volunteer organization independent from the South Carolina National Guard, will assist food banks and pantries with distribution operations, traffic flow, and any other tasks required to keep these sites safe, orderly, and efficient as demand increases in the coming days.
“This is an opportunity for all of us to come together and help those in our state who need it,” said Sheriff Leon Lott, Commander of the South Carolina State Guard. “The State Guard is made up of around 400 men and women who have been trained and are ready for operations like these. Our soldiers will be on the ground to assist food banks and ensure activities are carried out securely and properly.”
The One SC Fund is managed by the Central Carolina Community Foundation in Columbia. The fund was established in 2015 in reaction to Hurricane Joaquin, with Governor Nikki Haley’s assistance, and acts as South Carolina’s organized philanthropic disaster response. Since its inception, the fund has been activated to respond to Hurricanes Matthew, Florence, and Helene, as well as the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Those who wish to give can do so directly to the One SC Fund at www.yourfoundation.org.
According to the South Carolina Department of Social Services, more than 556,000 South Carolinians, or 266,000 households, received federal SNAP benefits in September 2025, totaling nearly $104 million. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health, there are over 900 food banks and pantries around the state.
