In the wake of the federal government shutdown affecting SNAP benefits for many, Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina is taking action to bolster support for regional food banks. On Tuesday, McMaster is expected to unveil a strategic plan designed to stimulate donations and aid local feeding programs.

During a scheduled news conference, the Governor, along with state and community leaders, will announce the activation of the One SC Fund by the Central Carolina Community Foundation. This initiative aims to launch a coordinated charitable giving campaign, channeling much-needed financial support to food banks and feeding partners throughout South Carolina.

The announcement is slated for 10:30 a.m. at the South Carolina Emergency Operations Center, where McMaster will outline the details of this collaborative effort. The objective is to mitigate the impact of halted SNAP benefits on hundreds of thousands of residents, ensuring they continue to receive essential food assistance during this challenging period.

The news conference will be available to watch live, offering the public a chance to engage with the latest developments in this significant community support effort.

You will be able to watch the full news conference live in this story.

Feeding the Carolinas, an association of 10 food banks in North Carolina and South Carolina, is calling on elected officials to end the government shutdown.

“Every day of delay adds to the strain families feel,” said Erinn Rowe, CEO of Harvest Hope
Food Bank. “We ask our lawmakers to work together to end the shutdown invest in hunger
relief programs that keep South Carolina families fed. This is a common-sense step to keep
families secure, communities strong, and our economy moving forward.”

The association said that while they have the capacity to respond and serve communities when funding is available, they “cannot replace the sheer volume of nutrition assistance that federal programs like SNAP provide to neighbors experiencing hunger.”

According to Feeding the Carolinas, food banks across the area have been seeing a 30% increase in levels of need over last year.