This year has brought both great progress and new challenges for communities. Together, we’ve expanded meal access, strengthened partnerships, and helped more children and families find stability through programs like summer meals.
At the same time, families across the country felt the strain of the recent delays in SNAP benefits. 42 million Americans, including 16 million kids, were uncertain about/experienced delays in their November grocery assistance. In South Carolina, over 550,000 residents rely on SNAP. According to SNAP Data from the South Carolina Department of Social Services, over 260,000 (almost 50%) of these were children. SNAP is our nation’s largest nutrition program and communities simply can’t fill the gap.
For many households, these benefits are a lifeline, helping parents put nourishing meals on the table. When those benefits are delayed, kids often feel the impact first. Hunger doesn’t just mean an empty stomach, it also affects how children are able to show up at school ready to learn and play.
This year has underscored both the challenges we face and the strength of our collective response. But in the face of these challenges, schools and nonprofits continue to show extraordinary commitment and compassion. School nutrition teams make sure students have access to breakfast and lunch, no matter what’s happening at home. Food pantries, community centers, and local nonprofits are stretching resources to fill the gaps—packing meal boxes, organizing food drives, and ensuring no child is forgotten.
In South Carolina, we are in this work together. No Kid Hungry South Carolina is committed to ensuring kids have access to the food they need every day.
To every educator, volunteer, and community leader who refuses to let a child go hungry: thank you. While the path ahead remains complex, our shared progress shows what is possible when we work together toward a common goal. Below are a few highlights that show how kids win when we work together.
2025 Summer Hunger Heroes
In June 2025, No Kid Hungry celebrated eleven honorees across nine states across the country as our 2025 Summer Hunger Heroes! These dedicated professionals have shown outstanding commitment to summer hunger relief. This year’s heroes have gone above and beyond to expand summer meals in rural communities. In South Carolina, we honored Mickela Mitchell, Director of Food and Nutrition Services of Union County Schools in South Carolina. We are so grateful to recognize and honor our favorite partners across South Carolina!
Rural Non-Congregate Summer Meal Expansion
Transportation challenges often make it difficult for rural families to reach summer meal sites. That’s why non-congregate meal models, like grab-and-go or home delivery, have been transformative.
In summer 2025, sponsors offered rural non-congregate meal programs, serving meals to children across South Carolina. Thanks to the hard work of our partners, more children than ever were able to enjoy healthy summer meals right at home.
No Kid Hungry South Carolina In the News
Raising awareness is a key part of ending childhood hunger. This year, we were honored our programs and partners featured in local media, highlighting both the challenges families face and the incredible work being done to ensure kids have consistent access to meals.
- Organizations across the Carolinas begin offering summer meal programs | Featuring Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
- Finding Solutions: YMCA of Greater Augusta providing free meals to kids
- [Charleston County Public Library, Charleston County School District and Lowcountry Food Bank] to bring back free summer meals program
- Lowcountry Food Bank to offer free meals for kids throughout the summer
- Ensuring Charleston County kids don’t go hungry; where to access free meals this summer | Featuring Lowcountry Food Bank
- Hunger season: Food insecurity in summer | Featuring Greenville County Schools
Each success represents the care, creativity, and determination of partners like you. “I am endlessly inspired by the people and organizations across South Carolina who show up every day to make sure no child goes hungry. Your compassion and commitment make all the difference,” said Marissa Spady, No Kid Hungry Senior Manager.
During this time of uncertainty for millions of families, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your partnership and support. To our school nutrition teams, community organizations, policymakers, state agencies, and advocates — your shared commitment is what makes the vision of No Kid Hungry a reality. Thank you!
