Resident urges county to prioritize Meals on Wheels amid Area Agency on Aging cuts

During public comment, Mr. White urged commissioners to account for the Area Agency on Aging and the local Meals on Wheels program in upcoming budget deliberations, citing service reductions and the program's role in checking on homebound seniors.

"The Area Agency on Aging ... is very instrumental in providing Meals on Wheels to our community. They are no longer ... accepting home deliveries of meals," Mr. White said, describing how the service helps keep elders fed and checked on. He asked commissioners to remember the program when discussing the county budget and said he believes county involvement will be necessary if federal funding remains reduced.

Why it matters: Mr. White said many local residents depend on home-delivered meals and that the loss of deliveries would affect older residents’ ability to remain at home and be checked on regularly.

Next steps: Mr. White asked the commission to keep the topic in mind during budget deliberations. Commissioners acknowledged the comment and said the issue will be considered as part of upcoming budget discussions.