Senior citizens in 16 SC counties could be eligible for free meals during COVID-19

Columbia-based Senior Resources is expanding its operation during the COVID-19 pandemic to serve free meals to senior citizens in 16 South Carolina counties, the organization announced on Sunday.

The Emergency Senior Nutrition Program, which provides five free meals a week, will broaden its reach for five weeks to include the counties of Anderson, Clarendon, Lexington, Richland, Barnwell, Calhoun, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Horry, Kershaw, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg and Williamsburg.

In order to be eligible for the meal program, a person must reside in the county of the distribution location, be 60 years or older, or a caregiver taking a meal to a senior citizen. When picking up meals, the senior or caregiver must show a state-issued identification card and provide a name, address and phone number. There is a limit of two meal packs, or 10 total meals, per car, and a limit of one pick-up per week.

Senior Resources will be able to provide thousands of additional meals every week thanks to a $1.6 million donation from BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and its foundation, according to a news release.

For more information about the Emergency Senior Nutrition Program, including meal distribution locations in each of the 16 counties, visit www.seniorresourcesinc.org or call 803-252-7734.