We found 22 food pantries listed for Summerville, South Carolina. Call before you go to confirm hours and what to bring. You can also see Food banks in Dorchester County, South Carolina.
Salvation Army Food Pantry Locations
We have located 2 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Summerville, South Carolina. You can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - CHARLESTON, SC
Phone: (843) 747-5271
Address: 4248 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29405. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation & Education Programs
- Community Recreation Programs
- Day Camp Activities
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Shelter
- Latchkey Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- Seasonal Services
- Store
- Transitional Care & Work Release
- Transitional Housing
- Visitation Services
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Children's / Teen
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Youth Ministries
Appointments :
Call (843) 747-5271 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Charleston
Salvation Army Carolinas - Charleston
Phone: (843) 804-9072
Address: 6209 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
- Tues: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
- Wed: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
- Thurs: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
- Fri: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
The Salvation Army in Charleston provides a food pantry to help combat hunger in our community. Our food pantry provides food to meet basic nutritional needs for individuals and families in need. Our clients are children, adults or senior citizens with limited or no income, who have fallen on hard times or recently unemployed and need assistance to make ends meet.
Please be ready to fill out some paperwork when visiting our pantry.
Documents Required:
• Photo ID
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (843) 804-9072 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Berkeley
- Charleston
- Dorchester
Church Food Pantry Locations
We have located 11 Church Food Pantry locations in Summerville, South Carolina. You can also check your eligibility.
Metropolitan Community Church Of Charleston
Phone: (843) 760-6114
Address: 7860 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
The Food Bank Ministries provides food on an emergency basis to those in need. Our team works diligently to provide resources for other services such as utility assistance and medical needs. In addition the food bank runs an annual Free Market which provides items such as clothing and housewares to the community on a completely free basis.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
- clothing
- home goods
- navigating the system
Appointments :
Call (843) 760-6114 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Charleston
Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church
Phone: (843) 797-2648
Address: 7396 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
The Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church food pantry ministry provides free food to feed families and individuals in need. We supply groceries for residents that do not have enough food because they lack the resources to purchase it. We serve everyone from low income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor, and anyone else that comes to the pantry for food assistance. We serve everyone regardless of their race, color, or religion. The amount of food given depends on household size.
Our pantry is open 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday & Friday by appointment only. Please call 843-797-2648 to be placed on the waiting list.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (843) 797-2648 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- North Charleston
Abundant Life Church
Phone: (864) 246-5001
Address: 1945 Bees Ferry Rd, Charleston, SC 29414. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Food Pantry Ministry provides donated food items including complete dinners, canned vegetables, canned meats, soups, Jell-O and breakfast foods to families in need.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (864) 246-5001 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Charleston
Charleston Baptist Church
Phone: (843) 556-4673
Address: 13 San Miguel Rd, Charleston, SC 29407. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Bread of Life Food Pantry is available to residents of the West Ashley area of Charleston in need of staple food items. This program operates on Tuesday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm.
For more information about this program please call (843) 556-4673 or even email at at church@charlestonbaptist.org.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (843) 556-4673 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Charleston
Seacoast Church
Address: 5505 N Rhett Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Here at Seacoast we’re committed to helping people become fully devoted followers of Christ. We provide the opportunity to have a life-changing experience every weekend through authentic worship, a practical message, and an opportunity to respond to God.
Many families have to choose between rent and food. The Dream Center alleviates one choice through our emergency food assistance, providing groceries through a personal touch and communicating a positive message to each family. An estimated 50,000 meals have been provided through the Dream Pantry to our community.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
Help Residents of Counties:
- Charleston
Cordesville First Baptist Church
Phone: (843) 761-4710
Address: 1907 South Carolina State Route 402, Moncks Corner, SC 29461. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Our food pantry provides free food to feed families and individuals in need. We supply groceries for residents that do not have enough food because they lack the resources to purchase it. We serve everyone from low income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor, and anyone else that comes to the pantry for food assistance. We serve everyone regardless of their race, color, or religion. The amount of food given depends on household size.
Food assistance is available once monthly with emergencies addressed as they arise. Assistance with utility bills is provided as funds are available. Monetary assistance, in general, is only provided once. Exceptions are addressed by committee as need arises. Needs will be addressed and applications taken whenever the food pantry is open for distribution.
Services provided :
- help pay for utilities
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (843) 761-4710 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Moncks Corner
Calvary Lutheran Church
Phone: (843) 766-3113
Address: 1400 Manor Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 09:30 AM - 05:30 PM EST
- Tues: 09:30 AM - 05:30 PM EST
- Wed: 09:30 AM - 05:30 PM EST
- Thurs: 09:30 AM - 05:30 PM EST
- Fri: 09:30 AM - 05:30 PM EST
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
This Program operates an emergency food pantry from 9:00-11:00 AM on Fridays as an on-going ministry of the church. Food for the pantry is purchased through the Lowcountry Food Bank and provided by other donations.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (843) 766-3113 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Charleston
First Baptist Church
Phone: (843) 761-8116
Address: 112 E Main St, Moncks Corner, SC 29461. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM
- Tues: 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM
- Wed: 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM
- Fri: 08:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Feeding the Hungry program provides food to families in need. Families needing assistance apply for this assistance on the first and third Wednesday of the month.
Services provided :
- food delivery
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (843) 761-8116 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Berkeley
Faith Assembly Church - Moncks Corner
Phone: (843) 761-6866ext
Address: 1286 US-52 E, Moncks Corner, SC 29461. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: 09:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- Sun: Closed
Our Food Distribution provides food to feed families and individuals in need. We serve everyone from low income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor, and anyone else that comes to the pantry for food assistance. We serve everyone regardless of their race, color, or religion.
Food Distribution occurs every 3rd Saturday of the month.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (843) 761-6866ext to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Moncks Corner
Pointe North Church
Phone: (843) 761-6196
Address: 110 Bilo Dr, SUITE C, Moncks Corner, SC 29461. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST
- Sun: Closed
Our Food Pantry Team members get to imagine the joy of giving someone that has not eaten in days a box of food.
Pointe North Church Food Pantry provides:
-a box of food
-team members talk and pray with every person that requests assistance
Services provided :
- food pantry
- spiritual support
Appointments :
Call (843) 761-6196 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Berkeley
First Fruits Community Church
Phone: (843) 970-0821
Address: 195 Farmington Rd, Summerville, SC 29486. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- Sun: Closed
If you live in the city of Summerville, SC and you need help with food, then simply fill out the information on our website. Please provide your first and last name as well as your zip code as proof of residence in Summerville.
We are first come first serve and you must have your request in for help no later than the 3rd Saturday of every month and confirmed with the Summerville Food Bank via email that you will be picking up groceries. Food will be distributed the 4th Saturday of every month.
You must submit your information in order to be scheduled to pick up food. We will not be prepared to give out food to people that show up without contacting us first through the website.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (843) 970-0821 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Summerville
Helping Hands Food Pantry Locations
We have located 1 Helping Hand Food Pantry locations in Summerville, South Carolina. You can also check your eligibility.
Helping Hands
Phone: (843) 553-7132
Address: 104 Commerce Pl, Goose Creek, SC 29445. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Helping Hands of Goose Creek is an emergency food program serving individuals and families who are experiencing a life crisis situation. It is our mission to help these families achieve self-sufficiency regardless of the life crisis event.
Services include:
• Food Pantry Distribution
• USDA/(TEFAP) The Emergency Food Assistance Program
• Emergency Needs
• Benefit Bank Services
• Referral Services
• Crisis Intervention
• Special Projects
• Money Management Training
• Diabetic Support
• Basic Computer/Internet Training
Documents Required: Please your bring a valid photo ID and proof of residence.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
- navigating the system
- one-on-one support
- computer class
Appointments :
Call (843) 553-7132 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Berkeley
Food Pantry Locations
We have located 8 Food Pantry locations in Summerville, South Carolina. You can also check your eligibility.
YWCA Greater Charleston
Phone: (843) 722-1644
Address: 1064 Gardner Rd, SUITE 113, Charleston, SC 29407. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Christine’s Corner Food Pantry provides food assistance to low-income women, men, and families who are unemployed or just experiencing hard times. We supply groceries for residents that do not have enough food because they lack the resource to purchase it.
Please note that you must call us before coming in.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (843) 722-1644 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Charleston
Community Impact For Christ
Phone: (843) 697-9504
Address: 10505 Dorchester Rd, Summerville, SC 29485. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
The Community Impact for Christ outreach seeks to serve the needs of the uninsured and underserved in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties of South Carolina while demonstrating the love and compassion of Christ. These needs may include physical health, physical needs (clothing, food), emotional health and spiritual guidance.
Through the Food Pantry Program, Community Impact For Christ supplies groceries to needy families once a month.
CIfC offers services every Monday evening from 5:00 to 8:30PM at Old Fort Baptist Church, 10505 Dorchester Rd, Summerville, SC except for the holidays. Call 843-697-9504 for more information about the availability of the services.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (843) 697-9504 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Berkeley
- Charleston
- Dorchester
Community Impact for Christ, Inc.
Phone: (843) 697-9504
Address: 10505 Dorchester Rd, Summerville, SC 29485. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
We are proud to offer a food pantry to those who are enduring a difficult time during their lives and need extra groceries for themselves or their family. Groceries are available one time per month to each family unit. Services are offered at Old Fort Baptist Church.
Current information on all persons residing in each particular household is required before any services will be provided. Until this information is completed and eligibility is approved only limited services may be provided.
The following documents are required during your first visit to our location:
• Current Photo ID
• Copy of current utility bill or document in the name of the head of household indicating the residence address
• Social Security card, birth certificate or passport of children
• Proof of income
• Proof of assistance recieved
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (843) 697-9504 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Berkeley
- Charleston
- Dorchester
Cathedral Of Praise Ministries
Phone: (184) 376-0262ext6
Address: 3790 Ashley Phosphate Rd, North Charleston, SC 29418. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
The Bread Basket Cathedral provides bread and other grocery items to folks who are struggling financially and to other organizations that aid the needy. They serve approximately 200 families a week and distribute food to several local ministries and service organizations.
For more details call (843) 760-2626 or email cathedral@cathedralemail.com
Services provided :
- food delivery
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (184) 376-0262ext6 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Berkeley
- Charleston
Charleston Area Senior Citizens, (CASC)
Phone: (843) 722-4127
Address: 259 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Charleston Area Senior Citizens, a non-profit organization provides opportunities for older persons to pursue mutual interests, receive services and participate in programs and services which will enhance their dignity, improve their health, support their independence, and encourage their involvement in the community.
Food Emergency Program provides emergency food and monthly food boxes and vital household items to people in need. Each client household receives enough food for one month. Clients are asked to call ahead and make an appointment for food. Walk-in clients for emergency food will be served as soon as possible by CASC staff.
Clients must complete a brief application before receiving a box of food.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (843) 722-4127 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Charleston
Lowcountry C.A.R.E.S.
Phone: (843) 553-2012
Address: 2427 Midland Park Rd, Charleston, SC 29406. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
- Tues: 10:30 AM - 01:00 PM
- Wed: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
- Thurs: 10:30 AM - 01:00 PM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
- Sun: Closed
Lowcountry C.A.R.E.S. provides emergency assistance for the following basic needs:
•Food
•Clothing
•Limited financial assistance
•Small household items (when available)
•Job Information
•Referrals to other community services
Through our Hispanic Ministry, the pantry will be open to assist those with limited english, every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm.
Documentation needed for service:
•Photo ID (everyone in the household over 18)
•Proof of date of birth
•Proof of residency
•Proof of income ( all income in household)
Clients may use the pantry once per month and by appointment only.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
- clothing
- home goods
- financial assistance
- navigating the system
- help find work
Appointments :
Call (843) 553-2012 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Berkeley
- Charleston
- Dorchester
Midland Park Community Ministries
Phone: (843) 553-2012
Address: 2427 Midland Park Rd, Charleston, SC 29406. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 09:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- Tues: 09:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- Wed: 09:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- Thurs: 09:30 AM - 02:00 PM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Midland Park Community Ministries provides the most immediate need which is food assistance. Many of our clients live within walking distance but for those who don't, our food packers do their best to ensure that groceries will survive any trip. In addition to food, we also provide clothing and clients can receive financial assistance once a year. Financial literacy classes are offered quarterly and employment preparation and assistance are also available.
Services provided :
- food delivery
- food pantry
- clothing
- financial assistance
- financial education
- help find work
Appointments :
Call (843) 553-2012 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- North Charleston
St. Paul's Summerville
Phone: (843) 871-0182
Address: 316 W Carolina Ave, Summerville, SC 29483. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Tues: 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Wed: 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Thurs: 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Fri: 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
HELP of Summerville provides emergency services to Lower Dorchester County residents after they have been pre-screened and referred from other community agencies such as United Way, DSS, schools, and churches. We are located on our church grounds.
HELP of Summerville may provide temporary financial assistance for rent and utilities, and vouchers for clothing and food, or provide food items from their in-house food pantry.
Services provided :
- help pay for food
- help pay for housing
- help pay for utilities
- emergency food
- food pantry
- clothing
Appointments :
Call (843) 871-0182 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Dorchester
A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Summerville, South Carolina distribute groceries to individuals or families who are in some form of an emergency situation.
There are also meals, free bags of food, personal toiletries and household goods for low to moderate income families from food pantries near you.
Distribution centers can include churches, non-profit organizations, community action agencies, and many other local charities as well as non-profits.
Salvation Army Food Pantry
The Salvation Army is dedicated to eliminating food insecurity.
The Salvation Army offers free food help through local centers. Contact the branch nearest Summerville, South Carolina to confirm hours and requirements. The charity organization is involved in feeding millions of families each year, with a large percentage of those assisted being children as well as the elderly.
Church Food Pantry
A number of churches around Summerville, South Carolina have food pantries for those in their neighborhoods who are in need of food items.
Church pantries often rely on food donations gathered through food drives.
Some churches also deliver food items to older adults who are unable to drive to a nearby community food pantry. Please contact your local church directly.
Catholic Charities Food Pantry
Resources provided by Catholic Charities organizations can include help with food, holiday, and immigration needs.
Families of all religions, backgrounds, and cultures can contact Catholic Charities centers for help.
Catholic Charities locations in and around Summerville, South Carolina may offer groceries, food boxes, and items to prepare a meal. Hours and walk-in rules vary, so call before you go.
Some of these food pantries work like grocery stores, letting clients choose the items they need from the groceries available on site.
First-time clients may need to fill out a short application with basic household information.
Helping Hands Food Pantry
Some independent food pantries use the Helping Hands name. Any Helping Hands pantries we have listed around Summerville, South Carolina appear on this page.
Food supplies, hours, and services differ from one pantry to the next, so call before you go.
These pantries often rely on donations and volunteers from their local communities.
Find a local helping hands food pantry open near you.
Mobile Food Pantry
Mobile food pantries bring free food directly to families in need in communities around Summerville, South Carolina, often during large one-day distributions.
Some mobile pantries hand out pre-packed boxes, while others let you shop market-style.
Mobile food pantries usually visit churches, community centers, schools, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. They usually go to areas where there aren't grocery stores or other food pantries.
Mobile Food Pantry Schedule 2026
Unlike traditional food pantries where you go to them, mobile pantry trucks come to you. Food banks sometimes have an online mobile food pantry schedule.
Mobile food pantries often visit a community once a week or once a month. There may be last-minute cancellations or changes, so recheck the mobile food pantry schedule before you plan to go.
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
Some St. Vincent de Paul food pantries around Summerville, South Carolina may operate much like a grocery store, where people in need can choose their own food.
Services vary by location, so call the pantry near you to ask what is available.
Food Pantry Delivery Program
Some food banks run delivery programs that bring food and other products to partner agencies in more remote areas. Ask a food pantry around Summerville, South Carolina whether delivery is available near you.
Drive-thru Food Pantries
Drive-thru food pantries are a convenient and efficient way to distribute food to neighbors in need. Many are open to anyone who needs help with food, but rules vary by location, so call ahead if you can.
Who can visit a drive-thru pantry?
Drive-thru pantries are generally open to anyone who needs help getting food. Requirements vary, so check with the pantry before you go.
You may be asked to provide:
- Your zip code, and
- Number of people in your household.
You usually do not need an appointment. Drive-thru pantries are generally first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early because lines can fill quickly and popular items may run out.
How do drive-thru pantries work?
Volunteers and staff manage the distribution line. Here is how most drive-thru pantries operate:
Staff and volunteers direct visitors to the distribution area.
Visitors pull up in their car and are guided into a clearly marked queue. Staff move cars forward to keep the line moving quickly.
Check-in.
You may be asked about your zip code, household size or income for the pantry's records.
Food is loaded into your car.
Pre-packed bags of food — typically including shelf-stable items like pasta, canned fruit, and peanut butter, as well as fresh produce and meats — are loaded by volunteers directly into your trunk.
Pet Food Pantry
Some pet owners give up their pets because they cannot afford to care for them. Pet food pantries help fill a gap left by assistance programs such as SNAP, which cannot be used to buy pet food.
Pet food pantries may provide free pet food for a limited time to pet owners who cannot afford to feed their pets in Summerville, South Carolina.
Who is eligible for a pet food pantry?
Rules vary by pantry, but many help people who are:
- All ages, races and marital status
- Unemployed or underemployed
- Retired, living on social security or other limited income
- Physically or mentally disabled
- Experiencing homelessness or housing instability
Tips for Visiting a Food Pantry
Show up early.
This is very important. This means you will be first in line and have a chance to get the items that are sought after and in limited quantities such as fresh produce, dairy and frozen food.
You don't usually need to show up hours ahead of time but coming at least an hour before is usually a good idea.
Remember all documentation.
Some food pantries require documentation to prove who you are, and in some cases, where you live.
This is to make sure people are not coming more than they are allowed or using fake names to do so. Call ahead of time to find out what documentation is needed.
This is often a photo ID and a piece of mail that verifies your address.
Use several food banks.
Using more than one food bank (when available) is smart because you may be able to get something at one that you may not get at another.
For instance, one may have a deal with a local gardener that gives them their extras. This may mean this food bank has more produce.
Eligible for other programs?
Ask your Department of Social Services office if you are eligible for other assistance programs to supplement your household’s food supply.
They can easily tell you if you can apply for WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), USDA Commodities or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
Ask about extras.
If you have special needs for infants or special diets, the pantries may be able to assist you.
Many times, they can help with diapers, baby formula, baby food, personal hygiene products, and even special diet items like gluten free or sugar free foods.
Go on different days of the week.
Depending on the food pantry, they may be open only one or two days a week or they may be open all seven days. When you have a choice, going midweek is often best as it is less crowded.
Be polite to workers.
Nearly everyone at a food bank is a volunteer. Be polite to the workers there as they often deal with highly emotional situations.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
2. What kind of food is at a food pantry?
Food pantries typically provide shelf-stable items such as:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. Who can go to a food pantry?
Rules vary by food pantry. Many ask only that you say you need help, while others may ask for ID, proof of address, income information, or a referral. Call ahead to find out what to bring.
4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?
A food pantry often provides food packages meant to last a few days to families that have a place to live, but not enough food. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals. Soup kitchens serve individuals in need of a hot meal, the only meal of the day for many of them.
5. How does a food pantry work?
Food banks acquire large donations of food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Those organizations then provide this food directly to families in need.