Department Of Social Services Logo

Emergency Shelter Food Program

The Emergency Shelter Program (ESP) provides reimbursement to emergency and homeless shelters to ensure that each child participating in their program receives healthy, nutritious meals. Children ages 18 and under are eligible to receive these services. The meals are provided by the approved emergency and homeless shelters which include family shelters, battered women's shelters, and other facilities whose primary purpose is to provide temporary shelter to homeless families with children. For more information click here.


How to Apply

If your program meets the requirements, start the application process here. Each organization is required to participate in an orientation training which will review the program requirements, forms and other specifics of the emergency shelter program. After the training, you have 60 days to submit a completed application and then you are on your way to receiving reimbursement for serving healthy, nutritious meals.

Child Welfare Services Transformation

Best Outcomes for Children and Families

Do you have a complaint regarding services being provided to a child by a state agency? Please submit your complaint by phone (1-800-206-1957) or an electronic submission form here with the South Carolina Department of Children's Advocacy.