Lake County >> For senior centers around the lake, the future appears bleak at worst and uncertain at best. In recent weeks Present Trump and his administration have mentioned cutting funding for Meals on Wheels programs, a move that could potentially affect millions who rely on the service not only for their nutritional needs, but for socialization and safety.
To keep their doors open and running, Lake County senior centers do receive federal funding, but it filters down through various levels before reaching any of the centers. First the federal government distributes the money, which is then funneled down through state levels, then to the local Area Agency on Aging, where it’s finally distributed to senior centers across the county.
The Middletown Senior Center receives approximately $57,000 per year from the federal government. That’s just under a quarter of their budget of $250,000. This money is distributed under Title 22, and it’s a senior nutrition program that is different and separate from the National Association of Meals on Wheels. The Middletown Senior Center does not belong to the national association, since to be a part of it requires a lengthy application in addition to a yearly fee.
And that’s where the confusion arises. According to Middletown Senior Center Director Lori Tourville, it’s unclear whether the Trump administration intends to slash funding for the National Association, or the senior nutrition program.
“I don’t know which funds they’re talking about, so it’s confusing. We’re trying to figure that out,” Tourville said. “When it comes to the Meals on Wheels portion … I don’t know how it’s going to affect us yet.”
But Tourville pointed out that if Washington is indeed referring to the senior nutrition program, the funding cuts wouldn’t only affect Meals on Wheels. Half of their financial assistance goes to the dining room located at the senior center itself, which serves fresh meals five days a week to those who are able to venture out of their homes.
The same can be said for other centers around the county, such as the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center. In addition to their Meals on Wheels program, the Lucerne center provides assistance and outreach programs. They’re able to do so thanks to the funds received through Title 22.
“That’s what this is all about,” said the center’s secretary and community outreach worker, Kurt McKelvey. “It’s about improving the quality of life of the people we provide services for, and we need all the help that we can get.”
McKelvey also expressed concern for an unpredictable future. “All I do know is that really any cut would impact services, which may result in diminished performance or having to cut staff,” he said. “There’s a lot of different things that can happen as a result of funding shortage.”
Meals on Wheels provide one third of daily nutrition for homebound seniors through the delivery of fresh foods five days a week and frozen meals for the weekends. Every six months centers must send a menu to the local Area Agency on Aging, where food is assessed and approved by a nutritionist. The program allows many people to remain in their homes who otherwise would possibly need to move into a residential facility.
Cutting funding isn’t fiscally logical, Tourville pointed out. “If they cut Meals on Wheels, that’s ridiculous because a lot of these people would have to go into rest homes and who’s going to pay for that? The government,” she said.
It’s important to note that Meals on Wheels isn’t only about the food. For some seniors, deliveries are the only opportunity they have to interact with another person that day. There are even times when Meals on Wheels drivers arrive at a home to find someone who has fallen and needs assistance. Not long ago, Tourville recalled an incident when a driver found a senior who had passed away in their home.
McKelvey believes the government should be doing the opposite of what they’re proposing. “I really feel like we should be improving our services and our ability to reach more seniors and create more programs,” he expressed. “We shouldn’t be cutting that funding. We should be expanding it and magnifying our community in that way.”
Although government assistance is vital to a fully functioning center, Tourville was confident Middletown Senior Center wouldn’t shut down, even if funding were pulled. “There would have to be some changes, but we’ll make sure nobody goes hungry,” she said. “The worst possible case scenario, we’d turn into some sort of soup kitchen where we still made sure everybody got fed.”
There are many who see the value of senior centers, and they enthusiastically show this support. This past Saturday, for instance, Middletown Senior Center hosted their annual March for Meals fundraiser. Attendance was higher this year than ever before, and Tourville believes it was due to this discussion of possible cuts to funding. The event brought in approximately $7,000.
Similar displays of generosity can be seen throughout the year. Every week Hardester’s Market in Middletown donates loaves of bread to the senior center. The center hosts two or three dinners every year, each of which brings in $1,500-$1,700. Their annual chili cook off raises $4,000-$6,000. The center itself has 60-70 active volunteers.
“All kinds of things fit together to make this place work. It’s not just one thing,” said Tourville.
Similarly, Lucerne Alpine Senior Center would keep their doors open thanks the good will of the local community. If funds were cut, they could get by, but only because of donations, McKelvey said.
It’s not an ideal situation. “I definitely feel like we cant cut corners on our seniors. They are the foundation that the adults and the youth of tomorrow build off of,” said McKelvey. “We really need our seniors to be strong and resilient and healthy. The only way we can do that is by providing programs like these and other programs. If we keep cutting things like that, it’s plain to see the results will not be good.”
Jennifer Gruenke can be reached at 900-2019.
