Columbia’s largest food bank is busier than ever. Federally funded food benefits, known as SNAP, are expected to end by the end of the month, due to the government shutdown. 

“We’re really anticipating a crisis-level of need in the next coming weeks if the SNAP benefits do not get turned back on,” said Erinn Rowe, CEO of Harvest Hope Food Bank.

Harvest Hope is the largest food bank in South Carolina, providing more than 25 million meals each year through its locations in Columbia, Florence and Greenville. The organization distributed more than 30 million pounds of food last year across 20 counties in South Carolina.

“We are seeing increased levels of people coming to our facilities and our agencies,” Rowe said. “They are seeing more and more people come to their pantries to get food access.”

According to the Department of Social Services, more than 260,000 families in South Carolina rely on SNAP benefits. Nationally, Feeding America reported that more than 50 million people visited food banks in 2023, a number expected to surpass the pandemic peak of 60 million people this year.

Experts warn that even a short stop in SNAP benefits can have lasting consequences.

“It means a lot, and that can lead to very negative outcomes in terms of education and health,” said Orgul Ozturk, department chair and James A. Morris professor of economics at the University of South Carolina. “Even if it is just one month of delay, it can very quickly translate to much larger financial burdens down the road like an avalanche.”

With demand expected to increase, Harvest Hope is calling on the community to donate food and to volunteer.

“During times of crisis, it’s a moment where everybody can come together,” Rowe said. “I want everybody to really not make food political. We need to come together and make sure everybody can eat this winter.”