MUSC expands its “Kids Eat Free” program to Chester and Lancaster Counties to combat food insecurity.
CHESTER, S.C. — The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is expanding its summer meal program to two additional counties as food insecurity continues to challenge families across the state.
MUSC’s “Kids Eat Free” program, launched in 2015, will begin serving Chester and Lancaster Counties starting June 15, providing healthy meals to children 18 and under at no cost and with no questions asked.
“Being out of school, making sure these kids have some nourishing meals. We want to make sure we can provide the meals at no cost to the children,” Richard Warrin, Chief Operating Officer at MUSC Health Chester Medical Center, said.
The expansion comes as the program has shown significant growth statewide. Last year alone, MUSC served approximately 54,000 meals through the initiative, according to Warrin.
The timing of the expansion appears critical for local communities already facing food distribution challenges. Local pantry leaders report feeling the impact of recent USDA cuts, with some facilities struggling to maintain adequate supplies.
“Typically, the shelves are full,” said Libby Sweatt-Lambert, gesturing toward empty pantry shelves. She estimated that replacing missing inventory for countywide food distribution will cost about $9,000 per month.
The summer program will operate Monday through Friday, with service dates and hours varying by location. MUSC does not require financial verification of need, though minors must be accompanied by guardians. The program cannot accommodate requests from organized groups such as sports teams, day cares, or camps.
Two pickup locations have been established for the expanded service:
- Lancaster Medical Center at 800 W. Meeting St. will serve meals from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Chester Medical Center at 1 Medical Park Dr. will operate from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The “Kids Eat Free” program addresses summer food insecurity that affects many families when school-provided meals are unavailable during vacation months. The no-questions-asked approach aims to remove barriers that might prevent families from accessing needed nutrition support.
Those interested in volunteering or learning more about the program can contact Laura Nance at [email protected]. Individuals wishing to donate to local food assistance efforts can contribute to the Fort Lawn Community Center at 5554 Main St, Fort Lawn, SC 29714.
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