VNA leaders tell Knox County Board that senior meal program needs $100,000 from remaining ARPA funds

Michael Bennett, executive director of VNA Community Services, told the Knox County Board on Dec. 23 that the nonprofit's home-delivered meals program has expanded sharply since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and now serves more than 165 active seniors.

"At the start of the pandemic, we served a maximum of 80 active recipients and a waiting list of 60 seniors in need. Today, I'm proud to say we've more than doubled that number," Bennett said, detailing program scale and costs and saying the organization has delivered more than 215,000 individual meals to more than 1,800 people since March 2020.

Bennett said the program costs roughly $25,000 per month just for meals, that VNA is owed about $200,000 in reimbursements for invoices as far back as July, and that the nonprofit needs immediate county help to avoid shuttering services. "Today, I am asking for $100,000 or more from any remaining ARPA funds," he said, adding the money would provide "about a 4 month cushion" while reimbursements are processed.

Walker Kelly, program director for VNA Community Services, reinforced Bennett's appeal, saying the meals program is often the difference between senior residents remaining in their homes or facing institutional care. "For many of the seniors we serve, it is the difference between staying in their homes or facing the devastating choice of institutional care," Kelly said, urging board support to prevent reductions in service.

The board did not take an immediate vote on Bennett's request during the public-comment period. Board members and staff later discussed ARPA allocations elsewhere on the agenda and were reminded by the treasurer that the county must record allocations by Dec. 31, 2024 and obligate funds in eligible contracts or invoices by later deadlines. Treasurer Robin told the board staff were still collecting some reimbursements and community-grant paperwork but that staff were working to document obligations to meet the ARPA timing requirements.

Why it matters: VNA's home-delivered meals program provides daily nutrition and social contact for isolated seniors; a sudden funding gap could force service reductions that would affect hundreds of residents who rely on the program for food and routine wellness checks.

What to watch: Whether the board designates remaining ARPA funds or another county source to bridge VNA's near-term cashflow needs, and whether staff present a recommended allocation or agreement language for the board to consider at a future meeting.