COLUMBIA, S.C. - The South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA) is hosting its annual food drive for Veterans, service members, and their families in the Midlands to show support and appreciation for those who have served, or are currently serving and facing food insecurities this holiday season. The food drive will run through Friday, November 17th just before the Thanksgiving holiday begins. Items may be dropped off at SCDVA Headquarters at 1800 Saint Julian Place, Suite 305, Columbia, SC 29204, or in the lobby of our office location.

According to Feeding America, one in nine working-age Veterans live in food insecure households and 24% of active-duty service members were food insecure in 2020. Veterans most likely to experience hunger and food insecurity include female, disabled, and unemployed Veterans. Veterans and service members are more likely to experience food insecurities due to low wages and unemployment; lack of affordable housing; mental health issues; service-related disabilities; and systemic racism, sexism and discrimination (Feeding America). Items most needed for the food drive are listed on the flyer below.

All donations received will be given to Harvest Hope Food Bank to assist in providing resources and reducing food insecurities among Veterans, service members, and their families in the Midlands.