ECCO fills the gap to feed local families
November 11, 2025
The shelves of East Cooper Community Outreach’s Wellness Food Pantry shelves are filling back up thanks to the generosity of the local community. But as food donations arrive, the need continues to grow. ECCO is stepping up once again to fill the gap for local families in their time of need, including furloughed families who haven’t received a paycheck in the last month due to the government shutdown.
This week, over 60,000 people living in the Tri-County community have seen their SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits threatened. Families already living on the edge are facing hardships not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recognizing the urgency, last week Governor MacMaster has called on the community to help local food banks respond before the gap becomes a catastrophe. ECCO is answering that call — but we can’t do it alone.
“ECCO is here to fill in the gap for local families, but we need the community’s support to keep our shelves full and our neighbors fed,” said Stephanie Kelley, Executive Director of ECCO. “With the uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits and the government shutdown, we’re already seeing more families turning to us for help. Many are working hard, doing everything right, yet still struggling to afford groceries. Families right here in the Lowcountry are counting on us — and we’re counting on the community to stand with them.”
Each month, ECCO serves on average 550 families through its Wellness Food Pantry, with many of those households receiving SNAP benefits. Of these SNAP-eligible households:
- 51% are single individuals
- 56% are over the age of 60
- 312 children (ages 0–17) live in these homes
While larger families are expected to be hit hardest by the SNAP delay and reduction, even a 50% reduction in monthly assistance can mean local seniors must go without basic essentials.
This challenge comes as ECCO prepares for its annual increase in requests for food assistance during the holidays. Typically, November is the busiest month of the year, as families stretch limited resources further for holiday meals and expenses. This year, ECCO must meet that seasonal surge plus additional need caused by the SNAP delay and reduction and government shutdown.
The gap is also being felt on the food donation side. Over the past four months, ECCO has seen a 22% decrease in food drive donations.
How the Community Can Help
ECCO is calling on neighbors, businesses, and faith groups to take action now:
-
Donate Food – Most needed items include:
Soup, beef stew, rice (1 lb bags), pasta sauce, canned fruit, cereal, canned tuna/chicken/salmon, sugar, flour, salt & pepper, coffee, and tea.-
$15 grocery gift cards (Walmart or local stores) are also needed so clients can purchase turkeys for Thanksgiving.
-
-
Donate Hygiene Items – Especially:
Laundry detergent, bar soap, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, and adult Depends. -
Provide Financial Support – Unrestricted donations allow ECCO to respond to the increasing needs of our neighbors by keeping our operations running.
If You Need Help
ECCO is here for families who live or work East of the Cooper River who are facing food insecurity or hardship during this difficult time. If your family has been impacted by the SNAP benefits delay and reduction, or the government shutdown, please reach out to find out if you qualify. ECCO’s medical and dental services are available to uninsured adults who income qualify from the Tri-County. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit ECCOcharleston.org or call (843) 849-9220.
Drop-Off & Donation Information
Donations can be delivered to ECCO, 1145 Six Mile Road, Mount Pleasant, or made online at ECCOcharleston.org.
“Every can, every box, every jar makes a difference,” Kelley added. “Together, we can fill the gap and make sure every family in our community has enough to eat.”
About East Cooper Community Outreach
Founded as an emergency relief effort in 1989 after the devastation from Hurricane Hugo, East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) has since grown into a permanent resource for the community with three main service areas: Assistance, Guidance, and Resources. Nearly two thousand families receive help through ECCO’s Wellness Pantry, Financial Assistance, Dental & Medical Clinics, Prescription Assistance, Clothing Closet, Asset Development Program, and more each year. Enhanced through personal interactions with staff who provide individualized support and coaching for each client, ECCO meets each client where they are and helps them navigate the challenges they are facing with care and compassion. ECCO is also a place where people who want to help their neighbors in need can find meaningful ways to share their time, talent, and treasure. Each year, over four hundred local neighbors give their time volunteering at ECCO. For more information about how to receive help or provide help, visit www.eccocharleston.org. Follow ECCO on social media @eccocharleston for updates, photos, and more ways to get involved.
