What is purpose of this service?
TEFAP helps to supplement the diets of low-income Americans, including elderly people, by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost.
Who can receive these services?
In South Carolina, low-income residents with an income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income guidelines can qualify to receive services under TEFAP.
How are the services provided?
USDA makes commodity foods available to State Distributing Agencies. The amount of food that each state receives out of the total amount of food that is provided nationally is based on the number of unemployed persons and the number of people with incomes below the poverty level in the state. The food is provided to local agencies usually food banks, which in turn, distribute the food to local organizations such as soup kitchens and food pantries that directly serve the public.
What services are offered?
Eligible recipients can benefit from the program through organizations like soup kitchens that provide prepared meals, or they may receive food from pantries that distribute commodities to individuals that may be taken home and prepared for consumption.
How can a local distribution site be located in your area?
Contact the Local Agency listed below serving your county to locate the nearest distribution site. Proof of identity, is required to complete the eligibility determination process.
| Golden Harvest Food Bank | Counties Served: Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Edgefield, Greenwood, McCormick, Oconee, Pickens | (803) 648-0752 |
| Harvest Hope Food Bank | Counties Served: Chester, Chesterfield, Calhoun, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Fairfield, Florence, Greenville, Kershaw, Orangeburg, Laurens, Lee, Lexington, Marlboro, Marion, Newberry, Richland, Saluda, Sumter | (803) 254-4432 |
| Lowcountry Food Bank | Counties Served: Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Williamsburg | (843) 747-8146 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank | Counties Served: Cherokee, Lancaster, Spartanburg, Union, York | (704) 376-1785 |
In accordance with Federal law and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
