Life happens. Whether you're navigating a temporary setback, stretching your budget between paychecks, or simply need a little help putting food on the table: there's absolutely no shame in reaching out. That's what community is all about.

Here in Summerville, Ladson, and Ridgeville, we're lucky to have neighbors who show up for each other. Food pantries across our area are ready to welcome you with open arms (and grocery bags), no judgment, no hoops to jump through. Just good people helping good people.

This guide is your go-to resource for finding food assistance in 2026. We've compiled the most up-to-date info on local pantries, including where they are, when they're open, and how to get in touch. Bookmark this page, share it with someone who might need it, or keep it handy: because you never know when a friend or neighbor might ask.

Food Pantries in Summerville

St. Paul's Summerville

Address: 111 Waring Street, Summerville, SC
Phone: (843) 873-1991
Hours:

• Mondays: 5:30–7:30 PM
• Tuesdays: 9:00–11:30 AM
• Thursdays: 9:00–11:30 AM

One of the longest-running pantries in town, St. Paul's operates out of Skardon Hall and has been a cornerstone of food assistance for Summerville families. No appointment needed: just show up during their hours.

Westley United Methodist

Address: 108 E 5th N Street, Summerville, SC
Phone: (843) 871-0235
Hours:

• 2nd and 4th Saturdays: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Perfect if you need weekend access. Westley UMC opens their doors twice a month to serve families in need with groceries and pantry staples.

Dorchester Senior Center

Address: 312 N Laurel Street, Summerville, SC
Phone: (843) 832-0270
Hours:

• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Primarily serving seniors in the community, but always worth a call if you or an older loved one needs support.

Heart of Gold

Address: 135 E 2nd N Street, Summerville, SC
Phone: (843) 873-9993
Hours:

• Wednesdays: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM (Appointment needed)

Heart of Gold requires you to call ahead and schedule a time, but their team is incredibly helpful and will walk you through the process when you reach out.

Seacoast Church

Address: 301 E 5th N Street, Summerville, SC
Phone: (843) 737-2300
Hours:

• Thursdays: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Seacoast's pantry is known for its welcoming atmosphere. They offer a variety of fresh and non-perishable items each week.

Ebenezer AME

Address: 209 E 3rd S Street, Summerville, SC
Phone: (843) 871-5221
Hours:

• 1st and 3rd Saturdays: 9:00 AM–11:00 AM

Another great Saturday option, Ebenezer AME serves the community twice a month with groceries and pantry essentials.

Food Pantries in Ladson

Knightsville United Methodist

Address: 4559 Ladson Road, Ladson, SC
Phone: (843) 797-5771
Hours:

• 1st and 3rd Wednesdays: 1:00–3:00 PM

Conveniently located in Ladson, this pantry opens twice monthly to serve local families.

Murray United Methodist

Address: 9180 Murray Drive, Ladson, SC
Phone: (843) 767-7590
Hours:

• 2nd and 4th Tuesdays: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Murray UMC has been a steady presence in the Ladson community for years, offering groceries and a friendly face when you need it most.

Old Fort Baptist

Address: 10505 Dorchester Road, Ladson, SC
Phone: (843) 871-1517
Hours:

• Thursdays: 6:00–7:30 PM

Also known as the 5&2 Food Pantry, Old Fort Baptist offers evening hours: perfect if you work during the day and need access after 5 PM.

Faith Victory

Address: 1610 Highway 78, Ladson, SC
Phone: (843) 797-2600
Hours:

• 3rd Saturday: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

A monthly distribution that serves families in the Ladson area with fresh produce and pantry staples.

Church of House Ministries

Address: 5131 Dorchester Road, Ladson, SC
Phone: (843) 797-3020
Hours:

• 2nd Saturday: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM (Appointment needed)

Call ahead to schedule your visit. The team at Church of House Ministries is dedicated to ensuring every family gets what they need.

New Bethel Sound of Praise

Address: 1485 Stallsville Road, Ladson, SC
Phone: (843) 871-6800
Hours:

• 4th Saturday: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

A newer addition to the area's food assistance network, New Bethel offers monthly distributions with a warm, community-focused approach.

Low Country Cares (Oakbrook Elementary School)

Address: Oakbrook Elementary School, Ladson, SC
Phone: Contact school office for details
Hours:

• Varies (typically school-year distributions)

This school-based program is a lifeline for families with kids in the Oakbrook area. Reach out to the school office for the most current schedule.

Food Pantries in Ridgeville

Salem Baptist Church

Address: 9245 Dorchester Road, Ridgeville, SC
Phone: (843) 871-3363
Hours:

• 1st Saturday: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Salem Baptist opens once a month to serve families in Ridgeville and surrounding areas.

Gateway Open Arms

Address: 1030 Central Avenue, Ridgeville, SC
Phone: (843) 821-7000
Hours:

• 2nd and 4th Thursdays: 10:00 AM–1:00 PM

Gateway Open Arms provides consistent mid-month and end-of-month support for Ridgeville residents.

Zion Pilgrim CRC

Address: 9641 Highway 27, Ridgeville, SC
Phone: (843) 871-2244
Hours:

• 3rd Saturday: 9:00 AM–11:00 AM

Zion Pilgrim's monthly pantry has been a steady resource for the Ridgeville community for years.

How You Can Help

If you're in a position to give back, these pantries run on donations, volunteers, and community support. Here's how you can pitch in:

Donate Food: Non-perishable items like canned vegetables, pasta, rice, peanut butter, and cereal are always needed. Many pantries also accept personal care items like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste.

Volunteer Your Time: Pantries need hands to sort donations, stock shelves, greet visitors, and distribute food. Even a few hours a month makes a huge difference.

Spread the Word: Share this guide with neighbors, coworkers, or anyone who might benefit. Sometimes just knowing where to go is half the battle.

Give Financially: Many pantries accept monetary donations that allow them to purchase fresh produce, meat, and other essentials in bulk.

To get started, call the pantry nearest you and ask how you can help. Trust us: they'll be thrilled to hear from you.

You're Not Alone

Whether you're visiting a pantry for the first time or you've been relying on them for a while, remember this: asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Every single person working at these pantries has shown up because they want to help. You deserve support, and this community has your back.

Keep this list handy, share it with someone who needs it, and remember: we're all in this together. For more community resources and local events, check out the rest of our guides at What's Up Summerville.