Local Food Pantries Need Our Help as SNAP Benefits Hang in the Balance

United Way of the Lowcountry coordinates with local food pantries to identify urgent needs across Beaufort and Jasper Counties

As the federal government shutdown continues, thousands of Lowcountry families are facing uncertainty about how they will put food on the table. The potential loss of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits could leave many without this vital source of monthly support.

In September 2025,
• 4,400 Beaufort County households and
• 1,735 Jasper County households
relied on SNAP benefits to help feed their families.

If benefits lapse, local food pantries across the region expect a surge in requests for assistance.

Connecting with Local Partners

United Way of the Lowcountry has reached out to food pantries throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties to learn what they need most right now. Below is a list of local partners and their most-requested items — along with information on how community members can help.

📍 Beaufort

• Community Bible Church (638 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort, SC 29906) – Turkeys, canned veggies, tuna, chicken, rice, beans, mac & cheese, baby food, diapers, wipes
• First African Baptist (601 New St., Beaufort, SC 29902) – Canned tuna/chicken, veggies, rice, grits, beans, peanut butter, jam
• Praise Assembly (67 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort, SC 29906) – Frozen meats/veggies, nonperishables, lunch meat, beans, rice, grits
• Salvation Army (2505 North St., Beaufort, SC 29902) – Peanut butter, jam, pasta, rice, canned soups & vegetables

📍 Bluffton

• Bluffton Community Kitchen (25 Boundary St., Bluffton, SC 29910) – Canned foods, rice, beans, meat/protein, produce, diapers, paper goods, hygiene, laundry supplies
• Bluffton Self Help (39 Sheridan Park Cir., Unit 10, Bluffton, SC 29910) – Non-perishables (canned tuna & chicken, rice, pasta, soup, cereal, peanut butter, baking mixes); hygiene items (diapers, feminine products, soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, baby wipes)

📍 Hilton Head Island

• Christ Lutheran Church (829 William Hilton Pkwy., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928) – Peanut butter, canned tuna, chicken, fruit
• Deep Well Project (80 Capital Dr., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926) – Canned proteins, rice, pasta, beans, cereal, peanut butter, toiletries, cleaning supplies
• Sandalwood Food Pantry (Queen Chapel AME) (114 Beach City Rd., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926) – Canned goods, mac & cheese, rice, beans, diapers (sizes 5–7), wipes, pet food, feminine & personal hygiene

📍 Lady’s Island

• Meadowbrook Baptist (12 Lupo Dr., Lady’s Island, SC 29907) – Canned goods, rice, beans, cereal, milk, pet food, diapers, wipes, hygiene items

📍 Port Royal

• Port Royal United Methodist Church (1602 Columbia Ave., Port Royal, SC 29935) – Produce, canned goods, rice, beans, mac & cheese, diapers, wipes, pet food

📍 Hardeeville

• Agape Family Life Center (5855 S Okatie Hwy., Hardeeville, SC 29927) – Meat, rice, grits, microwave meals, diapers, wipes, hygiene, pet food

📍 Ridgeland

• Antioch Educational Center (7557 W Main St., Ridgeland, SC 29936) – Canned goods, rice, beans, cereal, milk, diapers, wipes, pet food, hygiene
• Jasper County Hunger Free Zone (1506 Grays Hwy., Ridgeland, SC 29936) – Turkeys, canned goods, rice, beans, mac & cheese, grits
• Margaret F. Curtis Food Pantry (Church of the Holy Trinity) (2718 Bees Creek Rd., Ridgeland, SC 29936) – Canned veggies, green beans, sweet peas, tomatoes, rice, beans, mac & cheese, pet food

How You Can Help

✅ Donate unexpired food, can openers or essential items to a pantry near you
✅ Volunteer your time to help sort, stock, or distribute food
✅ Organize a neighborhood or workplace food drive

For those seeking food assistance, dial 2-1-1 or visit SC211.org for an up-to-date list of food resources and pantry hours.

Together, we can make sure every neighbor has enough to eat — because United is the Way.