Bamberg County Council Appeals to SC Lt. Governor for Meals on Wheels Funding

Posted by 04/14/2025 Categories: Bamberg County Airport Bamberg County Emergency Services bamberg south carolina city of bamberg south carolina community community service government local government office on aging Public Works sheriff department South Carolina

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

To: News Media

From: Bamberg County Administration

Date: April 14, 2025

Re: Bamberg County Council Appeals to SC Lt. Governor for Meals on Wheels Funding

Bamberg, South Carolina (April 2025) –During last week’s meeting, Bamberg County Council adopted a resolution to request SC Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, members of the General Assembly, and the Senate Oversight Committee on the Department on Aging to take immediate action to secure and allocate the necessary funding to sustain the Bamberg County Meals on Wheels program. They urged state leaders to direct available discretionary funds or emergency appropriations to support this vital service.

Bamberg County is home to a significant number of elderly residents, many of whom face serious challenges related to food insecurity. The Meals on Wheels program is essential to their health, independence, and dignity by ensuring regular access to nutritious meals and much-needed social interaction. The absence of adequate funding for this program would leave a vulnerable population at risk of hunger, isolation, and declining health.

Unfortunately, the Lower Savannah Area Agency on Aging (LSAAA) has experienced a substantial reduction of $2.3 million in aging program funds for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025. It has exhausted all available resources in efforts to mitigate this funding shortfall. As of February 2025, the Bamberg County Council on Aging expended 89% of its Home Delivered Meal funds and 88% of its Congregate Meal funds, severely limiting its capacity to serve the community for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Bamberg County Council Chairwoman Sharon Hammond stated, “The Bamberg County Council is deeply committed to the well-being of its senior citizens and recognizes the transformative impact of the Meals on Wheels program in preserving their quality of life. For these individuals, Meals on Wheels is not merely a convenience—it is a lifeline. Our council stands ready to work collaboratively with state and regional partners to explore long-term solutions to ensure continued access to meal services for all qualifying seniors in Bamberg County.”

A copy of the resolution and a letter of appeal from Chairwoman Hammond have been transmitted to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the Department on Aging, and the Bamberg County Legislative Delegation members.

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For more information on this press release, email info@bambergcounty.sc.gov.

View the Resolution here.