Bishop Eric Davis’s Word of God Church Steps Up to Feed 700 Families Amid SNAP Crisis
- CUBNSC
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
COLUMBIA, S.C. — In a powerful act of community leadership, Bishop Eric Warren Davis, senior pastor of Word of God Church and Ministries International, is preparing to feed 700 families this Sunday at the church’s campus, located at 119 Diamond Lane, Columbia, SC 29210.
As the nation grapples with uncertainty surrounding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing federal government shutdown, Bishop Davis has mobilized his congregation to provide stability where the system has faltered.
“We understand the complexity of what families are facing right now,” said Bishop Davis. “When there’s fear about how you’re going to feed your children, it’s not just an economic issue—it’s a moral one. We’re called to stand in that gap.”
Hot Meals and Assistance for SNAP-Eligible Families
Starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, SNAP-eligible families will be welcomed to the Word of God Church campus for a free, hot meal. Those seeking assistance are encouraged to bring their SNAP card for verification. Church volunteers and local partners are expected to serve hundreds in what has quickly become one of the Midlands’ most significant emergency food relief efforts this season.
SNAP CRISIS: Judicial Intervention on SNAP Funding
Just one day before funding for SNAP was set to lapse, a federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to immediately distribute owed benefits to recipients.
U.S. District Judge John McConnell ruled that SNAP must be funded using the department’s contingency reserves, and if those funds prove insufficient, the USDA must draw from other sources to keep the program operational.
“There could be no greater necessity than ensuring that people are fed,” McConnell stated from the bench. “Irreparable harm will begin to occur—if it hasn’t already—in the terror people feel about feeding their families.”
A separate ruling the day before found the Trump administration’s plan to halt SNAP disbursements “unlawful,” but stopped short of mandating payments. McConnell’s stronger order effectively compels the USDA to act, though timing for the release of funds remains unclear.
The Stakes for South Carolina
If SNAP benefits were interrupted, the economic fallout for South Carolina would be immediate and severe:
$1.3 billion in direct annual grocery and supplier sales would vanish overnight.
Ripple effects could erase $2.0 to $2.3 billion from the state’s GDP.
Nearly 17,000 jobs tied to the food system—grocers, truck drivers, warehouse workers, and manufacturers—would be jeopardized.
Over 582,000 South Carolinians rely on SNAP, including thousands in Richland County, where more than 50,000 families are now scrambling for assistance.
Even major retailers like Walmart—which captures roughly 26% of SNAP grocery spending—could lose more than $300 million in annual revenue across the state if benefits were frozen. Local grocers and farmers’ markets would also face devastating losses.
Faith in Action
With federal decisions hanging in the balance, Word of God Church is turning faith into action as the SNAP Crisis continues. Volunteers are preparing hot meals, and organizing resources to meet immediate needs.
“This is about restoring hope,” said Minister Cedric Myers. “The government might be slow to move, but the church is not. We’re going to feed people.”
The event underscores the essential role that faith-based organizations continue to play in South Carolina’s food security network, particularly during times of political gridlock and federal uncertainty.
Event Information
What: Food Distribution & Hot Meal Service
When: Sunday, 1:00 p.m.
Where: Word of God Church & Ministries International
Address: 119 Diamond Lane, Columbia, SC 29210
Eligibility: SNAP cardholders and families in need