SC State Guard aids food distribution during shutdown

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – The Trump Administration has said it will partially fund SNAP benefits in November as the federal government shutdown continues. Thousands of South Carolinians who rely on the program still remain at risk of losing food assistance.

Governor Henry McMaster announced that the South Carolina State Guard will step in to help families in need, beginning Wednesday, November 5.

State Guard soldiers will be at Harvest Hope food bank locations in Columbia and Greenville, to help keep donations coming and lines moving. Their goal is to make sure families impacted by the shutdown can continue putting food on the table.

“We will assist in these operations as these tractor trailers come into these different food banks, we’ll have soldiers there ready and able to unload the trucks, but we also will be there as a show of force,” said Major General Leon L. Lott, Commander of the South Carolina State Guard.

Deployment locations and schedules for the food distribution mission begin Wednesday, November 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Operations will continue through November 7, and again November 10 through 14.

Major David Finleyson, the Guard’s Public Affairs Officer, said this mission is in line with the State Guard’s long-standing service to South Carolina communities.

“The State Guard’s been in in the community for a little over 350 years in South Carolina, so we’re very versed in taking care of the citizens when the need arises,” said Finleyson.

According to officials, each location will have 10 to 15 soldiers on-site, with the capability to expand if the mission is extended.

“If the Governor determines that we need to extend the mission, then we’re perfectly willing and able to do that.”

The current focus will be on Columbia and Greenville, with Points of Distribution (PODs) set up at Harvest Hope Food Banks in both cities:

Harvest Hope – Greenville
2818 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC 29611
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Harvest Hope – Columbia
2220 Shop Road, Columbia, SC 29201
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Harvest Hope said soldiers will be spread out across each property, working directly with volunteers to organize donations and assist families in need.