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Greer Relief Provides Crisis Emergency Food Assistance During Federal Shutdown

As the federal government shutdown begins to impact families across the Upstate, Greer Relief is stepping in to ensure no neighbor goes hungry.

Effective immediately, we have activated Crisis Emergency Food Assistance — a temporary expansion of our food services to support federal workers and households experiencing delays or gaps in SNAP and WIC benefits.

Our team is moving quickly and with deep compassion to meet this urgent need and prevent any interruption in access to food. Learn more about how you can volunteer or donate food or funds to support our Choice Pantry program.

What’s Happening Right Now

Families who depend on SNAP and WIC are already feeling the impact — federal transfers scheduled for October 20th did not reach the state, causing immediate delays and uncertainty. At the same time, federal workers are working without pay. Calls for food and basic assistance have started, and we know more are coming.

With no clear end to the shutdown in sight, we must prepare now to meet rising demand.

How Greer Relief Is Responding

Starting this week, our Pantry is operating in Crisis Emergency Food Assistance mode — distributing 5+ days of food per household, once per week, to any neighbor impacted by the shutdown. There are no residency restrictions, and only a few simple intake questions, including whether the household is experiencing SNAP disruption.

This emergency assistance is available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, from 9 AM to 1 PM, and will continue until the end of the shutdown. At that time, Greer Relief will return to our standard Choice Pantry program.

Why Community Action Matters Now

This moment requires us to act not with panic, but with unity and purpose. Food insecurity can escalate quickly during a shutdown — but with the strength of our community, it is preventable. When neighbors step forward to offer support, we can ensure stability, dignity, and hope for families suddenly facing uncertainty.

That’s Where You Come In

Greer Relief cannot meet this need alone. Here’s how you can take immediate action to help neighbors affected by the shutdown:

Volunteer Your Time

• Help pack and organize emergency food boxes
• Assist with pantry operations and distribution shifts
• Every shift directly supports neighbors in need

To find a volunteer shift that fits your schedule, visit our website.

Donate Essential Items
Our most-needed items include:

• Canned green beans, corn, peas, mixed veggies, and fruit
• Pasta & pasta sauce
• Mac & cheese
• Peanut butter
• Boxed cereal
• Oats & grits
• Canned soup
• Canned meats (tuna, chicken, etc.)

Donations can be dropped off at the Greer Relief loading dock behind 113 C Berry Ave.

Give Financially
Your financial donation allows us to purchase fresh perishable foods and other urgently needed supplies. Every dollar makes an immediate difference.

Share This Message
Help us reach even more people by forwarding this email to friends, family, and colleagues—the more people who know, the more neighbors we can support.

The Impact of Your Support

Every act of generosity directly strengthens our community. Volunteers, donations, and financial gifts allow Greer Relief to provide stability, nourishment, and hope for families facing sudden hardship. By stepping in now, you help ensure that no neighbor goes without food, reinforcing the power of community and compassion during a critical time.

Thank You

Greer Relief is deeply grateful for every individual, family, and partner who steps up during this critical period. Your support — through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word — directly transforms the lives of neighbors in need. Together, we are keeping our community strong, resilient, and nourished.