South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

We promote and protect the health of the public and the environment.

• Food Industry: Rules/Guidelines
• Permits - Types, Application
• Do I Need a Permit?
• Build Out Problems (Plan Review)
• Inspections
• Healthcare Facility Food Service
• Violations
• Staff Training: Resources
• Investigations
• Boil Water Emergencies
• Overuse of Antibiotics a Danger
• Outdoor Cooking
• Prevent Food Tampering
• Service Animals Allowed
• Approval to Market Food Products
• Dairy Products/Raw Milk
• Soft Drinks, Bottled Water, Ice Plants
• S.C. Food Safety Regulations
• Contact Us

• Related DHEC Websites
• Food Safety for Home Cooks
• Food Safety and S.C. Public Health
• Environmental Health Home

Church or Charitable (Non-Profit) Events

South Carolina churches often hold Sunday or mid-week meals for members and guests.

Churches and charities (non-profits) also hold fundraising barbecues, holiday carnivals and other events open to the public involving food service. Some organizations sponsor soup kitchens and special meals as a public service.

Permit(s) Needed

• Serving members and guests only: No permit is needed from DHEC for strictly in-house functions.
• Serving the public, on church/charity premises, no more than 12 functions in a 12-month period: No permit is needed from DHEC, regardless of whether or not the church/charity charges for the food.
• Serving the public, on church/charity premises, 13 or more functions in a 12-month period: The church/charity must get the appropriate food service permit from DHEC, regardless of whether or not the church charges for the food. Depending on circumstances, the organization may need to apply for and meet the requirements of a:
  • Regular Retail Food Establishment Permit (pdf)
  • Temporary Food Service Permit for an event lasting from four to 14 consecutive days
  • Special Events Permit for an event lasting three consecutive days or less. (Read DHEC’s Food Service at Special Events
• Serving the public, away from church/charity premises:  Regardless of whether or not the church/charity charges for the food,  the church or charity will need to apply for and meet the requirements of the most appropriate permit:
  • Regular Retail Food Establishment Permit (pdf) 
  • Temporary Food Service Permit (pdf) for an event lasting from four to 14 consecutive days
  • Special Events Permit for an event lasting three consecutive days or less.  (Read DHEC’s Food Service at Special Events (pdf) booklet)