The recent government shutdown has affected individuals and families nationwide, as many federal workers go without pay, and social welfare programs, such as food assistance programs, have suspended benefits. However, amid federal disjunction, local community members have joined together in support of those affected.

The federal shutdown began on Oct. 1 at 12:01 a.m., and the United States government failed to pass spending bills on Tuesday, Nov. 4, for the 14th time, officially marking a record-long government shutdown. Throughout the shutdown’s duration, Americans are experiencing the suspension of federal pay and programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Despite court orders to restore SNAP benefits in some capacity during the shutdown with contingency funds, United States President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that SNAP benefits “will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before!”

In Pickens County, 4,545 households with 9,659 people receive SNAP benefits, totaling $1,722,162 in benefits for September. Overall, approximately 8% of Pickens County residents and 10% of Oconee County residents rely on SNAP benefits for food security monthly.

Pickens County recipients of SNAP benefits are 70% children, elderly and veterans, with average benefits received around $375.

SNAP benefits are food credits given to the homeless, unemployed, elderly, disabled and working low-income individuals. The amount of benefits distributed depends on the number of people within households as well as income after deductions.

With SNAP benefits, recipients can buy food such as bread, cereal, non-alcoholic beverages, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy products and other basic food necessities.

South Carolina SNAP benefits are limited to a maximum of three months during a 36-month period for individuals aged 18-54 who are able-bodied and do not have dependents. Participants may also meet the work requirement of 80 hours per month or qualify for an exception to the ABAWD.

In an effort to support the greater Clemson population and community members in uncertain times, locals have banded together.

A partnership between the Community Foundation of Greater Clemson, Central Roller Mills and Pickens County Councilperson Claiborne Linvill has emerged, organizing a “Feed the Gap” food drive for Clemson Community Care’s food pantry.

CCC’s food pantry serves residents in Central, Clemson and Pendleton with an average distribution of 1,600 lbs. daily. However, amid the shutdown, CCC reported that 2,900 lbs. of food were given out to families on Monday, which signifies an increase in need.

“All of my conversations last week with food pantries and food banks and anyone who works in food insecurity … they were out of food,” Allie Sloan, executive director of Community Foundation of Greater Clemson, told The Tiger in an interview.

“They couldn’t handle how many people were coming in,” Sloan continued. “This is inhumane. People should know their next meal.”

The shutdown has displayed “fear and uncertainty for our clients, but we as an organization are responding with the help of the community,” Karen Carter, executive director of Clemson Community Care, wrote to The Tiger.

So far, the drive, which started on Oct. 29, has reported a collection of over 650 lbs. of food donated to Clemson Community Care with six days still left in the drive. The community’s response, though not unexpected according to Carter, communicates a lot about the culture of the Clemson community.

“As a community, we all have the same morals that these people should eat. No one should go without a meal, you know?” said Sloan. “Sometimes you look back and you’re like, ‘What is happening to humanity?’ And then this was a moment where it was like, ‘Yeah, the community we’re in, it’s it. We see that this is not okay.’”

Carter said that this is an example of the Clemson community always responding in a kind, compassionate and generous way, which strengthens the organization in times of need like Hurricane Helene last October and the current pause in SNAP benefits.

Beyond individuals donating in support of families facing food insecurity, organizations are rising up to find ways to contribute to the affected communities and populations.

“So many different organizations are just raising their hand in the food pantries and they’re getting full,” Tim Conrad, Pickens County warrior advocate for Upstate Warrior Solutions, told The Tiger in an interview. He noted that the Salvation Army in Easley and Clemson have a small food pantry, but are “getting full.”

UWS is partnering with local businesses, like Duke Energy, to provide food and supplies for local military, veterans, first responders and others who are connected to the shutdown and struggling to meet basic needs. The organization is also utilizing funding provided by the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs grant.

This effort includes providing supplies for the South Carolina National Guard Armory here in Clemson.

“That’s one big one,” said Conrad. “It’s really your active duty people and our federal employees that really need the assistance right now because they’re not getting paid … people still live paycheck to paycheck.”

Food insecurity is one of the largest pressure points the community is facing at this point during the shutdown, according to The Hill. Clemson University Cooperative Extension’s Food Pantry Giving Guide provides individuals a simple way to identify which foods are most beneficial to donate to individuals, families and organizations facing food insecurity.

“Food donations can make a tremendous difference in people’s lives,” said Hannah Wilson, an assistant professor at the Pee Dee Research and Education Center, who curated the resources. “By choosing items that are both nutritious and easy to use, donors can help ensure that every contribution supports the health and dignity of those receiving assistance.”

Additionally, United Way of Pickens County developed a local food map in 2019 in partnership with Clemson University’s rural health department. This map was later developed into a statewide South Carolina Food Access Map, which is now being utilized as a resource for families in need amid statewide food insecurity following the SNAP benefit freeze.

“Who would’ve thought that when we did that, it would be the most important thing at a time like this,” Julie Capaldi, president of United Way of Pickens County, told The Tiger in an interview.

United Way’s 2-1-1 phone line is always available for those in need of assistance — and for those who wish to help out, contributing to a local food pantry is the best course of action, Capaldi added.

Local businesses, including Charleston Sports Pub, are also stepping up by introducing a “kids eat free” initiative at all restaurant locations, with menu items varying by location.

Children account for 46% of Pickens County SNAP recipients. Through this initiative, kids 13 years or younger can receive one meal a day, dine-in, with no purchase necessary.

“Kids can’t help the scenario they are in,” Perry Freeman, owner of CSP, told The Tiger. “As a community, it’s important for us to help people who are in horrible situations.”

CSP intends to continue this service until the benefits are restored, or as long as the federal shutdown persists, barring unexpected, extenuating circumstances.

“It’s not a crisis yet, but we are prepared for when it becomes a crisis,” Capaldi said.

Conrad also noted that UWS is not experiencing a level of demand to warrant a crisis yet, but the situation could become more serious if the shutdown persists.

“So all this is coming together, and I think people are just ready to go, because they have the same feeling that I do,” said Conrad. “If something isn’t done within, I would say two weeks, there’s going to be some people hurting.”

Sloan added that she has lost sleep over the SNAP benefits, and that “we’re still not out of the woods with it.”

The impacts have affected the larger community as well, even including those who are not SNAP recipients.

Starting this month, the School District of Pickens County will begin using its food service funds, according to reports compiled by Rep. Neal A. Collins, District 5.

SDPC will have enough funds to last through March 1, 2026, but doesn’t know if the district will be reimbursed for funds used.

Local grocery stores also face the risk of economic hits, with SNAP accounting for the income of 11% of all grocery stores and 30% of rural grocery stores. Studies estimate that $1 in SNAP benefits generate $1.85 in local economic activity, which would account for a $3,185,999 loss in Pickens County if true, according to reports by Rep. Collins.

WIC has also been flagged to be vulnerable as of Nov. 15 if the shutdown continues, and some housing-related assistance and social service programs also face vulnerabilities due to the shutdown.