Macomb County accepts $188,940 from AgeWays to cover higher congregate meal costs

The Macomb County Health and Human Services Committee voted to recommend a $188,940 budget amendment to the full board to increase the per-unit rate for congregate meals in the Office of Senior Services.

Sheila, representing the Office of Senior Services, said the extra funding from AgeWays covers an "increased cost per meal" and is not intended to expand the number of participants. "So essentially, yes," she said when asked whether the funds would allow the program to cover more of the meal cost; "what we get from HOA does not cover the entire amount of the meal. So we count on contributions from the participants as well as the general fund."

Commissioners asked whether Meals on Wheels has a wait list; Sheila said currently there is no wait list and that the office is trying to avoid creating one despite reductions in some dinner meal offerings since COVID. She also said AgeWays distributes extra funds near the end of its fiscal year, and she offered to provide commissioners the program's distribution formula if requested.

The committee voted 13–0 to send the congregate meals budget amendment to the full board.