State leaders activate “One SC Fund,” request monetary donations as SNAP benefits end

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) —  With the upcoming halt of federal SNAP benefits, Governor Henry McMaster and other state officials hope a new charity campaign will help fill up local food banks and pantries that serve those in need.

“South Carolina always pulls together,” says McMaster.

It’s known as the “One SC Fund” — administered by the Central Carolina Community Foundation out of Columbia, and can be accessed here.

Leaders are asking for financial donations from citizens and businesses that are able to give — which will help provide emergency monetary assistance to the over 900 food banks and feeding partners across the state.

“We are here to raise those dollars and make grants as quickly as possible. Every dollar that comes into the One SC Fund — 99% will go right back out to nonprofits in SC,” says President of the CCCF, Georgia Mjartan.

The remaining one percent will be used for research and administrative oversight of those grant contracts, Mjartan says.

Previously, One SC Fund accounts were activated for Hurricanes Matthew, Florence, and Helene — as well as during the Covid-19 pandemic — but those funds have either been depleted or are needed for further recovery efforts.

Meaning the new One SC Fund starts with zero dollars — and will grow as donations come in.

“We need people to step up and give in ways that they have never given before. We need our corporate partners, and other foundations, and philanthropy to come together in a unified way and make sure that 550,000 people in this state who will not have access to their food benefits on November 1st, have the food resources they need when they turn to their local food pantries, and food ministries, and food banks,” says Mjartan.

The governor has also directed the SC State Guard to assist food banks with distribution operations and traffic flow for the time being.

“We have a great network but what we must have is volunteers and money. We have to have those two things to do the job. But I’m confident we can do it,” says McMaster, adding, “We have to deal the cards that we’re dealt and they’re frozen in Washington right now, so we’re doing it ourselves. And fortunately, we have the ability, we have the assets — all it takes is the will to do it.”

Those who wish to contribute to the fund can do so by visiting www.yourfoundation.org.