Richland County Councilman Calvin “Chip” Jackson helped give out more than 200 protective masks to senior citizens and caretakers Friday in District 9.

Jackson partnered with Senior Resources, a social services nonprofit, to provide masks with every meal during the organization’s food distribution event at Richland Library Sandhills in his district. The masks are meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus.

Senior Resources operates an Emergency Senior Nutrition Program that gives seniors five free meals a week at 12 drive-through distribution sites around Richland County. The County recently provided $250,000 to Senior Resources to help with the program, covering more than 40,000 meals.

Jackson said seniors at Friday’s event told him they appreciated the masks, as many were having trouble finding them in stores. The Councilman plans to continue helping Senior Resources with its distribution on Fridays at the library branch.

The masks were provided by The Meeting Place Church of Greater Columbia. Councilwoman Yvonne McBride, District 3, and Bishop Eric J. Freeman, pastor of The Meeting Place, have helped distribute the masks, along with Michael Byrd, director of Richland County Emergency Services.

Senior Resources anticipates running the Emergency Senior Nutrition Program through at least May 15. To learn more about the program, including how to participate, visit seniorresourcesinc.org.

Councilman Calvin “Chip” Jackson hands out protective masks during Senior Resources’ weekly food distribution event Friday at Richland Library Sandhills.