Concurrent Resolution Recognizes Senior Hunger Day in South Carolina

Rep. Dan Hamilton, (R- Greenville) today presented a concurrent resolution to Lt. Governor Glenn F. McConnell recognizing May 9 as “Senior Hunger Day” in South Carolina. Hamilton was the chief sponsor of the house bill regarding the resolution. South Carolina ranks as the eighth worst in the United States in senior-adult hunger and overall food insecurity affects over 807,960 people in South Carolina.

“Nonprofit agencies, churches, synagogues, mosques, soup kitchens, shelters, and the South Carolina Association of Food Banks strive daily to carry out their commitment to reduce food waste and to feed all people by gathering, storing, and distributing nutritious food to those in need of nourishment,” said Hamilton. He was joined at the State House announcement by a group of leaders who take the issue of senior hunger to heart including AARP, Senior Resources, Meals on Wheels, United States Postal Service, National Association of Letter Carriers, Publix, Councils on Aging, and Leadership South Carolina.

The National Letter Carriers Association will conduct their 22nd annual food drive on Saturday, May 10 and will soon be leaving bags at mailboxes for residents to fill with non-perishable food items for pick-up.  The NLCA will donate food items to local food banks and those who serve as community resource points for those in need. “It’s important that we all do our part to help our community organizations who help those who are hungry,” said Teresa Arnold, AARP state director.

“Many corporations across South Carolina have answered the call to address senior hunger including Bank of America, SCANA, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and  Southeastern Freight,” said Pam Duke, Senior Resources executive director.  Her organization is the Richland County provider for Meals on Wheels.

“The South Carolina General Assembly recognizes that it is vitally important to address the tragedy of senior hunger and malnutrition in this State and to bring awareness of this issue to the forefront. It is my pleasure to present Lt. Governor Glenn F. McConnell this concurrent resolution, said Hamilton.