Ware Senior Center says meals are subsidized; $3.50 price point strained by rising costs

John outlined the Senior Center’s lunch program funding and staffing. He said the center charges $3.50 per meal while donations and the Friends of Ware Seniors help cover additional costs; the friends group will cover any remaining costs for people using the meal assistance sliding scale. John said they "served nearly 500 meals in November, with a profit of $187" that helps maintain a roughly $2,000 buffer for future food purchases.

Staff noted rising food costs are making it harder to maintain menu variety at the $3.50 price point. Janine, the center’s social worker, was described as SHINE certified for health insurance help and is a regional SNAP provider able to process benefit applications through state and federal portals to expedite assistance for clients.