Local senior citizens got a chance to hear about Feeding The Gulf Coast, a non-profit anti-hunger organization Monday morning at the Senior Center of South Pearl River County.

A benefits enrollment screening was held to identify whether a citizen qualifies for the program and representatives were on-site to help with the application process.

Outreach Coordinator Lana Martin said the organization also helps seniors apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Medicare Savings Program, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Low-Income Subsidy Program.

Lacy Lawler, Vulnerable Populations Specialist, said the goal of the organization is determine whether senior citizens are receiving all of the federal and state benefits they are entitled to.

Each person who filled out an application received a bag containing a mix of foods rich in protein along with fresh produce, Lawler said. The bags were provided through a grant from the AARP Foundation, an organization providing economic and social assistance to adults aged 50 and older, she said.

Twenty-five seniors at the center received meal bags during Monday’s seminar, she said.

Lawler said about 40 percent of seniors nationwide are not receiving SNAP benefits even though they are eligible.

Sometimes seniors are hesitant to go to their local Department of Human Services office and fill out the necessary application forms, Martin said.

For more information about their program and services visit https://feedingthegulfcoast.org/