New Market Partners: A Community Grocery Program in South Carolina

What New Market Partners does

New Market Partners is a nonprofit organization that operates community grocery programs across South Carolina, focusing on neighborhoods where fresh food and affordable groceries are hard to find. The organization runs physical markets and mobile programs that bring produce, meat, dairy, and pantry staples directly to residents, often at prices lower than conventional supermarkets.

The program works by partnering with local farmers, food distributors, and community organizations to stock markets in underserved areas. Rather than requiring membership fees or income verification, New Market Partners keeps entry simple: you show up, shop, and pay. Many locations also accept SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps), which stretches your purchasing power further.

Key Takeaways

• New Market Partners operates community grocery markets in multiple South Carolina locations, with both permanent storefronts and mobile markets that visit neighborhoods on set schedules.
• The program accepts SNAP benefits and offers produce, meat, dairy, and shelf-stable groceries at prices designed to be affordable for residents in food-insecure areas.
• No membership, application, or income verification is required—you can shop whenever the market is open.
• Locations and hours vary by market, so checking the organization's website or calling ahead tells you what is available near you and when.

Where New Market Partners operates in South Carolina

New Market Partners runs markets in several communities across the state, with the largest presence in the Midlands and Lowcountry regions. Each market operates on its own schedule, and some locations are permanent storefronts while others are mobile units that visit different neighborhoods on different days of the week.

The best way to find a market near you is to contact New Market Partners directly through their website or phone line. They can tell you the exact address, hours of operation, and what day a mobile market visits your area. Some markets also host community events or cooking demonstrations alongside regular shopping hours.

What you can buy and how SNAP works

New Market Partners stocks fresh produce (seasonal vegetables and fruits), meat and poultry, dairy products, eggs, and pantry staples like rice, beans, canned goods, and bread. The inventory changes based on what local suppliers have available and what the season offers, so you may see different items week to week.

If you receive SNAP benefits, you can use your EBT card at participating New Market Partners locations just as you would at any grocery store. Some markets also run incentive programs where SNAP purchases are matched—meaning if you spend $10 in SNAP benefits, you receive an additional $10 in store credit to spend on produce or other items. These matching programs vary by location, so ask staff when you visit.

Pricing and payment options

New Market Partners prices groceries below typical supermarket rates, particularly on produce. The organization achieves this by buying directly from farmers and distributors, cutting out middlemen costs, and operating with a community mission rather than maximum profit.

Payment methods include cash, debit cards, credit cards, and SNAP/EBT. Some locations may also accept other local assistance programs or community vouchers. Call ahead or ask staff about what payment methods are accepted at your nearest market, since options can differ between locations.

How to find your nearest market and hours

New Market Partners publishes a location list on their website showing all active markets, their addresses, and operating hours. Mobile markets also have set schedules—for example, a market might visit one neighborhood on Tuesdays and another on Thursdays. The website or a phone call will give you the exact day and time for your area.

Some markets are seasonal or may change hours based on demand or staffing, so it is worth confirming before your first visit. If you do not have internet access, calling the main office will connect you with someone who can tell you where and when to shop.

What makes New Market Partners different from food banks

Unlike food banks, which typically distribute donated or surplus food and often require you to visit on specific days or meet certain conditions, New Market Partners operates as a retail grocery store. You choose what you want, pay for it, and leave—the same experience as shopping at any supermarket, just with lower prices and a focus on underserved neighborhoods.

Food banks serve an important role for people in crisis, but New Market Partners fills a different gap: it gives residents ongoing, dignified access to affordable fresh food without the stigma or restrictions that sometimes come with emergency food assistance. Many people use both—food banks for emergency help and New Market Partners for regular weekly shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to prove my income or sign up in advance?

No. New Market Partners is open to anyone in the community. You do not need to register, prove income, or meet any conditions. Walk in during operating hours and shop.

Can I use SNAP at every New Market Partners location?

Most locations accept SNAP/EBT, but not all. Call ahead or ask staff when you arrive to confirm. If a location does not accept SNAP yet, ask if they plan to in the future—the organization is working to expand this across all markets.

What if there is no New Market Partners near me?

Check the website to see if a mobile market visits your neighborhood on any day. If not, contact the organization directly—they may be planning to expand to your area or can suggest other affordable grocery options nearby. You can also ask your local food bank or community center if they know of similar programs in your region.

Are the prices really lower than regular grocery stores?

Yes, particularly on produce. New Market Partners buys directly from farmers and operates as a nonprofit, which allows them to pass savings to shoppers. Prices vary by item and season, but most customers find the produce and meat noticeably cheaper than chain supermarkets.

Can I buy in bulk or for a group?

Policies on bulk purchases vary by location. Some markets welcome large orders if you call ahead, while others prefer to keep stock available for all shoppers. Ask the staff at your nearest market what they can accommodate.