In an effort to address the dramatic increase in requests for home delivered meals, Aging Ahead has had to make some hard decisions. We have currently implemented a ‘hold’ on adding new clients to our Meals on Wheels program as we examine budget issues in order to better align with our state allocation. We remain committed to providing the best services that we possibly can with the funds we are allocated and strive to remain sensitive to the unique needs of each community.
We share in your concern for the older adults we are not able to serve through the Meals on Wheels program and are committed to addressing the budget issues and reinstating the program as soon as possible. As the graphics illustrate, the number of individuals needing support continues to skyrocket and funding to provide these critical services has not kept up with the need.
Effective community partnerships are also key to fully addressing the growing needs of the older adults in our service area. We would encourage you to contact your State senators and representatives to join our voice of concern for older Missourians in need. Please visit our website for more information on advocacy efforts (www.agingahead.org). We will be sure to keep everyone posted on our collective progress. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns.